Paul Thurot mentioned the concern about us, deaf people being left behind as TV shows stream onto the Internet.

I appreciate his concern. We need to do something about it.

But, first, who is Paul Thurott? For numbers of years, he is well-known for writing, updating, giving reviews on Windows codenamed Longhorn, which changes the name to Windows Vista that will be released in 2007. You can go to http://www.winsupersite.com. I have been following his site for a couple of years. You can learn more about him. He has a deaf child, as he said on his blog.

Paul wrote at least one blog, that I know of. His blog name is Internet Nexus. That is how I found that he mentioned about it. The entry is here.

Now, back to TV shows stream… I agreed with Paul that we should do something about it. I am deaf, myself. I am a heavy Internet user. I like to watch video clips, TV shows, news on line. It is useful, but unfortunately, they don’t provide closed caption or subtitle. I admitted that I was disappointed and frustrated. I did not get the same access as Hearing people do. I wonder when will they add that feature (caption or subtitle). We need more powerful voices in our community, but…

He had excerpted texts from Wall Journal; however, you have to register it first before you can read.. He did give the link. I tried. I am too lazy to sign up. I have signed up plenty! Anyway, allow me quote it:

The Internet has been a boon to deaf computer users, giving them easy access to a wide variety of information and breaking down communication barriers.

That is very true. It is very reliable for all of us, deaf computer users. We rely on articles, blogs, newspaper, email, IM, and vlogs (video blogs) and videos (like news, movie, TV shows).

Let’s go a bit off the point, you know Gallaudet is protesting right now. There are many reasons to name here. In fact, there are many issues right now. The MAIN issues are: the demand of Jane Fernandes’ resign, Re-open the presidential process again, Oppression, and Audism. For three weeks, Gallaudet is tired, but going stronger every day and continue the protest until all are resolved especially JANE’S RESIGNATION.

Now back to the point, why I have to mention about it now; what is the relevance of it? Well, see, I mentioned Oppression and Audism. That are our major issues right now. That is why we are left behind on technology today. Therefore, Oppression and Audism seriously have to be stopped right now! We need to move on and make it accessible for eveyrone, nothing left behind.

Right now, in fact, every company who create or post videos, TV shows, and movies on Internet, do violate our human right. Why? You know why. Oppression. Do the right thing, and think of us and treat us equally.

I hope the companies will address this issue quickly! I know one company has started working on it. That is Google Video; its link is here. That is a start. I hope many companies will follow Google’s step.

You will realize how useful it is because we rely on them a lot! A lot!

Blogged with Flock