A deaf Genealogy helper signing information. The St. George FamilySearch Library (SGFSL) is one of only two locations in the state of Utah for deaf genealogist to have the opportunity to use a video phone to get personal, one-on-one help with their family history. With this system they can ask questions through signing to a genealogist at the Salt Lake City Family History Library (SLFHL) which he/she sees on the screen.
A Deaf Signing Genealogist Helper
A picture of the Video Phone TV with the camera at top center. Our St. Geroge FamilySearch Library (stfsl)has a dedicated area for the deaf to have free access to the video phone which connects them to an experienced genealogist who also signs. With this set up, deaf patrons can come to the SGFSL to obtain this type of assistance while advancing their knowledge and ability in working on their family history.
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This service is currently available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. When the patron comes to the SGFSL, they need to check in at the reception desk and request the use of the Video Phone computer. He /she will then be asked if they know how to connect. If not, they will be given help to learn. The patron uses the following six easy steps found on the instructions provided to create the connection with Salt Lake Family History Library. These easy steps to connect and begin the conversation are -
1. Turning on the TV monitor
2. Bring up the key board on the screen
3. Useing the hand-held remote control to enter in the required telephone number from the instruction page
4. Wait for the connection to open
5. Greet the helper when he/she appears on the screen
6. When the session is over, the patron closes the session as instructed on the information sheet.
Those who have access to a Video Phone at home can connect to the St. George FamilySearch Library through Sorenson Communication. This works as the patron signs their question(s) to the connection person at Sorenson Communication. That person then interprets the signed langauage given to them atSorenson’s Communication video phones. They in turn connect with the SGFSL and relays the question to a worker at the St. George FamilySearch Library. The needed information is provided to the Soreneson worker who then gives the answer by sign language to the person who asked the question.
This is an exciting addition to our FamilySearch Library. We hope that the word will be spread to those who can benefit from the video-phone approach. Please let them know we are happy to work with them as they work on their family history. Call the SGFSL for more information at 673-4591.
1. Turning on the TV monitor
2. Bring up the key board on the screen
3. Useing the hand-held remote control to enter in the required telephone number from the instruction page
4. Wait for the connection to open
5. Greet the helper when he/she appears on the screen
6. When the session is over, the patron closes the session as instructed on the information sheet.
Those who have access to a Video Phone at home can connect to the St. George FamilySearch Library through Sorenson Communication. This works as the patron signs their question(s) to the connection person at Sorenson Communication. That person then interprets the signed langauage given to them atSorenson’s Communication video phones. They in turn connect with the SGFSL and relays the question to a worker at the St. George FamilySearch Library. The needed information is provided to the Soreneson worker who then gives the answer by sign language to the person who asked the question.
This is an exciting addition to our FamilySearch Library. We hope that the word will be spread to those who can benefit from the video-phone approach. Please let them know we are happy to work with them as they work on their family history. Call the SGFSL for more information at 673-4591.