Electronic Mail for the Hearing Impaired and Its Potential for Other Disabilities

The introduction of electronic message systems in the office environment suggests a major new tool for the employability of physically disabled individuals. Communications barriers caused by hearing, speech, and visual impairments, as well as mobility barriers caused by paralysis and orthopedic disorders, become insignificant when individuals with such challenges have access to electronic mail. A pilot project involving deaf people clearly points to the usefulness of computer-based telecommunications not only in personal lives but also in work situations for the physically disabled. The current status of message system technology and equipment is reviewed, and recommendations are made to improve this technology to make it financially reasonable and accessible for the physically disabled consumer.