The DeafBlind Communicator (DBC) is the result of collaboration
between deafblind individuals and focus groups, professionals from
both the deaf and blind communities, and HumanWare’s engineering
and marketing teams. The basic DBC provides three types of communication
for deafblind users: face-to-face, TTY, and SMS Texting. (Other
more powerful features can be activated by the user if desired).
Two Portable Components are Easy to Carry
The DBC consists of two separate components that deafblind users
can easily carry wherever they go. The main unit is the DB BrailleNote
which is a BrailleNote mPower (Perkins and QWERTY models available)
with special deafblind software installed in it. The companion unit
is the DB-Phone which is a special cell phone with a visual display
and a QWERTY keyboard that also has unique deafblind software installed
in it. These two components communicate wirelessly with each other
using Bluetooth.
Face-to-face Communication Wherever You Go
DBC users can now communicate with bus drivers, waiters, shop clerks,
sighted friends and family, etc. by simply activating a face-to-face
chat. By following a simple menu on the DB-BrailleNote, the DB-Phone
can be activated and handed to a sighted person. It’s easy
to keep track of the DB-Phone as it has a retractable security tether.
A message is both spoken and displayed on the DB-Phone stating,
“Hi, I’m blind and I can’t hear. To communicate
with me, type a message on this keyboard and press (the return arrow).”
Whatever the sighted person types on the DB-Phone in text is sent
to the DB-BrailleNote user and displayed in Braille. The DBC user
can then type a response on the DB-BrailleNote and send it to the
DB-Phone and so the conversation continues.
Communication with Other BrailleNote and DBC Users
Not only can the DBC work in face-to-face situations with sighted
people using the DB-Phone, but it can also communicate with other
DBC users and even other BrailleNote mPower users.
TTY Integrated into the DB-BrailleNote
The DB-BrailleNote has the land-line connector and special TTY software
built right into it making a separate TTY unnecessary. From the
chat menu, DBC lets the user enter a telephone number of a TTY or
relay service and then either store that number in an address book
for future use or make the call and proceed with a TTY conversation.
The DBC also has an answering machine built into it.
SMS Texting to Other Cell Phone Users
Text messaging is fast becoming one of the most frequent forms of
communication between cell phone users. A SIM card can be purchased
from a wireless provider and installed in the DB-Phone. Following
the same basic steps used when activating a TTY call, DBC users
can choose to activate the DB-Phone to send text messages. Because
of the wireless Bluetooth connection, DBC users never need to access
the phone directly. Everything is controlled right from the DB-BrailleNote.
Keeping It Simple with KeySoft
The DBC is designed to be simple and straight forward with the goal
of enabling any Braille user to learn to use it with minimal training.
The DBC uses a condensed form of BrailleNote mPower’s notoriously
friendly user interface called KeySoft. Easy-to-use menus enable
users to quickly find the applications they need and context sensitive
“help” is always available in every application to guide
and remind the user of options and commands.
Activating mPower Applications
Those users who are ready for a more sophisticated system can choose
to activate the full power of the BrailleNote mPower. Applications
like a word processor with spell checker, planner, email, Internet
browser, and bookreader are among the applications included once
activated. (For more information on the BrailleNote mPower, check
out the product section on HumanWare’s website).
HumanWare’s new DeafBlind Communicator opens a world of communication
possibilities for people who are deaf and blind!
Accessories
Deaf Blind Communicator Software/ Mobile Companion $2569.00 
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