UAE | General
Emirati invents easy SMS for the deaf and dumb
An Emirati man has invented a simple text messaging service (SMS) for the deaf and dumb and his main goal is not to make money but for this invention to become a mainstream project.
- By Marten Youssef, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:19 November 18, 2007
- Jaber's idea works the same as the regular text message, using each key to choose one of the assigned letters, but instead of the letters it chooses an alphabet from the sign language.
- Image Credit: Supplied picture
Abu Dhabi: An Emirati man has invented a simple text messaging service (SMS) for the deaf and dumb and his main goal is not to make money but for this invention to become a mainstream project.
After seeing an urgent need for the deaf and dumb to participate in the mobile revolution, Fahed Jaber thought to use the universal sign language as a platform for his idea.
"I thought to myself, why should they be kept out of this necessary communication? I kept on thinking for a long time and then I started implementing it," Jaber, a graphic designer, said.
Idea sharing
The idea works the same as the regular text message, using each key to choose one of the assigned letters, but instead of the letters it chooses an alphabet from the sign language. For example, the letter A in sign language is a closed fist with the thumb to the side. To select the letter A, you would need to press the number one on your key pad only once. The revolutionary idea has sparked an incredible response, Jaber says, but he is determined that his goal is not to make money as much as it is to spread the message.
"When I first shared this idea, the word spread incredibly. People were encouraging me to register the idea so no one takes it but I thought let who ever wants to take it, to take it. That's the whole point," Jaber said.
While the idea may be genius, Jaber recognises that it will not get very far with out the backing of mobile phone companies.
"Mobile companies have the money to implement this idea and to invent on it further. Perhaps they can even create a new device for the deaf and dumb that would incorporate my idea," Jaber said.
His next step will be to directly contact the companies and propose this idea to them and he is certain some mobile companies will see the potential in this invention.
Share this article
Popular in UAE
-
Your pictures
Readers' pictures
The best reader pictures from around the UAE this week
Latest news
- How I got into grad school in New York
- Committee plans for National Day
- Gallery gives helping hand to children's charity
- Failed heist: Gang ditches electrocuted member
- Rule of law 'necessary' for investment
- Students opt for vocational training
- Red Line Metro stations to open in February
- Vaccination drive for Haj pilgrims launched
- British athlete becomes first to swim around Palm
- 287 street vendors, beggars held in Dubai
- Call for entries to the third AUS Model United Nations
- Talk your way to the top
- Notes in Brief
- Man jumps to death after car tyre burst
- Burst pipe on SZR causes Metro station closures
Community Reports
-
Public transport is the way to go
Residents must stop complaining about feeder buses taking up parking space
-
Be kind to animals
Mistreated Labrador and puppy need new home filled with love
-
Help me find my precious cat
Raif, my cute eight-month-old ‘fur ball', went missing in Abu Dhabi's Al Bateen area last month
-
Pavement parking irks pedestrians
Gulf News reader calls on authorities to step in and stop car owners from invading pathways meant for safe walking
