STONE DEAF PILOTS – the deaf technology blog. A blog by Kathryn Hill about deaf technology, assistive technology, and tech-related accessibility issues faced by the deaf and hard of hearing.

Text messaging is a wonderful tool for the deaf and hearing impaired. I was one of the first people among my peers to have a cell phone that had SMS/text messaging. Since I’m text-heavy, I made sure to invest in a phone that had a QWERTY keyboard. I excitedly sent text messages to all my friends, only to have them complain that sending a reply on their slower numeric keypads was too much trouble for them. The texting fad hadn’t caught on yet at that point.

Nowadays, almost everyone I know has embraced text messaging, apart from a select few who are either using antiquated cell phones or have cell carriers that charge extra for text messages.

That’s where Jott comes in – among several features, it also offers “hands-free messaging.” Jott is very useful for people who can’t send text messages on their phone for whatever reason.

How it works: sign up for a Jott account (it’s free) and add the Jott number to the speed dial on your phone (877 568 8486.) Next, import your contacts into your Jott profile. Each contact is assigned a name (“Mom,” “Cthulhu,” etc.) Groups can even be assigned. To send a text message, simply dial the number, state the name of the contact or group you wish to address, and leave a voice message. Your message will be typed up and SMS’d/texted to your recipitent. Easy!

Now hearing people who previously could not sty in touch with their deaf friends or family members because they couldn’t send SMS/text can now do so.