This work in progress paper reports on initial research into the protection of information of the individuals that make use of video relay services. Our research team has developed an application called SignSupport, to aid in the communication between a text illiterate Deaf person and a non-signing pharmacist. After a Deaf person hands SignSupport to the pharmacist, s/he can view the prescription in South African Sign Language. SignSupport keeps personal and medical information on the phone that needs to be protected. This project focuses on the provision and security of voice and video over Internet Protocol transmission for video/voice relay integrated into SignSupport. Areas of research include: authentication methods, sign language video encryption techniques, and secure and protected data transit for an IP-based relay system. We also intend to implement and evaluate these security measures within the context of the South African Protection of Private Information Bill. Action research methodology will apply to this project, with consultation from inter-disciplinary groups such as the Deaf Community of Cape Town, legal experts, network and information security experts as well as application developers, for input and direction of this research.
This paper reports on an experimental open source video relay service prototype that helps Deaf people communicate with hearing people by accessing a third party sign language interpreter on a mobile device. Deaf people are disadvantaged in many ways when communicating with the hearing world in real world scenarios, such as hospital visits and in cases of emergency. When possible, Deaf people can enlist the assistance of a family member, community worker or sign language interpreter to assist with such scenarios, however this assistance is prearranged and Deaf people would prefer on-the-fly assistance. Our application will assist Deaf people to contact any available sign language interpreter to facilitate communication between the Deaf person and a hearing person using a split screen model, effectively creating a three-way conversation between the Deaf person, the hearing person and the sign language interpreter. The prototype was developed using the WebRTC platform, with JavaScript for browser operability and hardware platform independence. Our hope is that the research can be used to persuade mobile network operators of the need for free or heavily discounted data connection to relay services for Deaf mobile customers.
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