'Siri" -- Why I'm concerned

History has shown a long pattern of providing and removing access for Deaf people. In this vlog, I discuss why I think IPhone 4S's "Siri" program appears to be the next step in removing Deaf access to computing.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Technology
• Siri (software)
• Computer Software
• Access

[Mr1312ian]

Honestly, I don't think apple is going to take the accessibility away, they made Siri specifically for blind people. In 2010, we got our FaceTime. Now it's blind people's turn. There's tons features on MacBook for deaf, when computer beeps, screen will flash blank white to get our attention.

[DrDonGCSUS]

@Mr1312ian I didn't know Siri was made specifically for blind, but it makes sense. I'm not saying Apple is going to remove accessibility, but it is a fact that Hearing people tend to prefer hearing and speech over writing, and the concern is that this technology is going to become a standard wherein the next decade or two, it is going to become predominant in all computing technology, and once again leaving Deaf "out".

[AlNoll]

You raised very good points. Also, don't forget the original purpose of Alex Graham Bell's work. (To sum up, he tried to come up with a hearing device for his deaf wife and it turned out to be a telephone which created a very big barrier for deaf people in workplace ... until the advert of relay service, internet, email, instant messaging, and mobile devices).

[DrDonGCSUS]

@AlNoll Hi Al -- yes! I forgot to mention the phone as another technological barrier to Deaf! How could I forget that one?????

[stevethevlogger]

I wonder if we will have to talk to our future cars in order to operate them? We will have to talk in order to start the engine?!

I was surprised that my credit union is phasing in a verification system in which their computer sys calls your phone via voice (but they do offer this via texting but I don't even have a pager) Dunno if it records your voice print. Not sure when it will call...when I log in or open a CD?

[DeafJack48]

While you have valid point, in order to be proactive to prevent the another "silent movie" takeaway revisit, please file your concern to FCC immediately! The more FCC receive those kind of comments, the better we become proactive. Thanks.

[aandh2]

I'm an ASL studentt at CSUS and I just wanted to say that without your videos, I would not have half the understanding of Deaf culture that I do today. You raise some very interesting concerns and as always, relate them very well to the Deaf community. As a Hearing person, I was excited when I learned about Siri because I have a terrible memory, but I can understand why you would be concerned about the technological impact on the Deaf community. Perhaps a Deaf friendly version is in the works?