Study on the Use of Picture-Mail for People with Hearing Disabilities

Abstract

This paper addresses the use of an electronic mail system called picture-mail, that is able to transmit signing motion pictures. Deaf people are required to use written Japanese when they utilise ordinary telecommunication and information services in daily life. We discuss certain issues that make picture-mail system really beneficial for deaf people in communication through signed language.We also point out issues to be considered further in providing really usable system for users including deaf people.