NCR now offers Skype Video Phone for deaf and hard of hearing callers
In an effort to expand the City’s services for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Community, the Neighborhood and Community Relations Department (NCR) in conjunction with BIS (City’s IT Department) recently launched Skype Video Phone as a pilot project. The software is installed on a standalone computer and comes with a high resolution camera. Billie Imhoede, the American Sign Language specialist in NCR is handling calls that come in via the Skype Video Phone as well as the traditional TTY calls.
During the pilot period which will be 60 to 90 days, we plan to track data on volume, speed, bandwidth usage, and overall effectiveness of the tool. We will then make a decision as to whether to make the Skype product permanent or look for other options.
Deaf/Hard of Hearing individuals are particularly encouraged to participate in testing the tool by contacting us during the pilot period. Skype is free software that can be downloaded by going directly to their website www.skype.com. You can also find plenty of tutorials, instructions and helpful information by Google search. To contact the NCR via the Skype Video Phone, add cityofminneapolis-ncr account to your contact list and follow the instructions to place the call.
If you have any problem connecting with the City’s Skype account, please contact Billie Imhoede at (612) 673-3220 (voice) or (612) 673–2626 (TTY).
August 28, 2010
Published Aug. 28, 2010