#Language Impairment

[vidacarehomehealth]

As trusted providers of skilled nursing in California, we need to help shed light on a condition that often goes unnoticed—aphasia. Recognizing the early signs can pave the way for timely intervention and support.

[beardedmrbean]

good doggy

[reasonsforhope]

"As a Deaf man, Adam Munder has long been advocating for communication rights in a world that chiefly caters to hearing people. 

The Intel software engineer and his wife — who is also Deaf — are often unable to use American Sign Language in daily interactions, instead defaulting to texting on a smartphone or passing a pen and paper back and forth with service workers, teachers, and lawyers. 

It can make simple tasks, like ordering coffee, more complicated than it should be. 

But there are life events that hold greater weight than a cup of coffee. 

Recently, Munder and his wife took their daughter in for a doctor’s appointment — and no interpreter was available. 

To their surprise, their doctor said: “It’s alright, we’ll just have your daughter interpret for you!” ...

That day at the doctor’s office came at the heels of a thousand frustrating interactions and miscommunications — and Munder is not isolated in his experience.

“Where I live in Arizona, there are more than 1.1 million individuals with a hearing loss,” Munder said, “and only about 400 licensed interpreters.”

In addition to being hard to find, interpreters are expensive. And texting and writing aren’t always practical options — they leave out the emotion, detail, and nuance of a spoken conversation. 

ASL is a rich, complex language with its own grammar and culture; a subtle change in speed, direction, facial expression, or gesture can completely change the meaning and tone of a sign. 

“Writing back and forth on paper and pen or using a smartphone to text is not equivalent to American Sign Language,” Munder emphasized. “The details and nuance that make us human are lost in both our personal and business conversations.”

His solution? An AI-powered platform called Omnibridge. 

“My team has established this bridge between the Deaf world and the hearing world, bringing these worlds together without forcing one to adapt to the other,” Munder said. 

Trained on thousands of signs, Omnibridge is engineered to transcribe spoken English and interpret sign language on screen in seconds...

“Our dream is that the technology will be available to everyone, everywhere,” Munder said. “I feel like three to four years from now, we're going to have an app on a phone. Our team has already started working on a cloud-based product, and we're hoping that will be an easy switch from cloud to mobile to an app.” ...

At its heart, Omnibridge is a testament to the positive capabilities of artificial intelligence. "

-via GoodGoodGood, October 25, 2024. More info below the cut!

To test an alpha version of his invention, Munder welcomed TED associate Hasiba Haq on stage. 

“I want to show you how this could have changed my interaction at the doctor appointment, had this been available,” Munder said. 

He went on to explain that the software would generate a bi-directional conversation, in which Munder’s signs would appear as blue text and spoken word would appear in gray. 

At first, there was a brief hiccup on the TED stage. Haq, who was standing in as the doctor’s office receptionist, spoke — but the screen remained blank. 

“I don’t believe this; this is the first time that AI has ever failed,” Munder joked, getting a big laugh from the crowd. “Thanks for your patience.”

After a quick reboot, they rolled with the punches and tried again.

Haq asked: “Hi, how’s it going?” 

Her words popped up in blue. 

Munder signed in reply: “I am good.” 

His response popped up in gray. 

Back and forth, they recreated the scene from the doctor’s office. But this time Munder retained his autonomy, and no one suggested a 7-year-old should play interpreter. 

Munder’s TED debut and tech demonstration didn’t happen overnight — the engineer has been working on Omnibridge for over a decade. 

“It takes a lot to build something like this,” Munder told Good Good Good in an exclusive interview, communicating with our team in ASL. “It couldn't just be one or two people. It takes a large team, a lot of resources, millions and millions of dollars to work on a project like this.” 

After five years of pitching and research, Intel handpicked Munder’s team for a specialty training program. It was through that backing that Omnibridge began to truly take shape...

“Our dream is that the technology will be available to everyone, everywhere,” Munder said. “I feel like three to four years from now, we're going to have an app on a phone. Our team has already started working on a cloud-based product, and we're hoping that will be an easy switch from cloud to mobile to an app.” 

In order to achieve that dream — of transposing their technology to a smartphone — Munder and his team have to play a bit of a waiting game. Today, their platform necessitates building the technology on a PC, with an AI engine. 

“A lot of things don't have those AI PC types of chips,” Munder explained. “But as the technology evolves, we expect that smartphones will start to include AI engines. They'll start to include the capability in processing within smartphones. It will take time for the technology to catch up to it, and it probably won't need the power that we're requiring right now on a PC.” 

At its heart, Omnibridge is a testament to the positive capabilities of artificial intelligence. 

But it is more than a transcription service — it allows people to have face-to-face conversations with each other. There’s a world of difference between passing around a phone or pen and paper and looking someone in the eyes when you speak to them. 

It also allows Deaf people to speak ASL directly, without doing the mental gymnastics of translating their words into English.

“For me, English is my second language,” Munder told Good Good Good. “So when I write in English, I have to think: How am I going to adjust the words? How am I going to write it just right so somebody can understand me? It takes me some time and effort, and it's hard for me to express myself actually in doing that. This technology allows someone to be able to express themselves in their native language.” 

Ultimately, Munder said that Omnibridge is about “bringing humanity back” to these conversations. 

“We’re changing the world through the power of AI, not just revolutionizing technology, but enhancing that human connection,” Munder said at the end of his TED Talk. 

“It’s two languages,” he concluded, “signed and spoken, in one seamless conversation.”"

-via GoodGoodGood, October 25, 2024

[todayontumblr]

Saturday, September 23.

International Day of Sign Languages.

It is Saturday, September 23, but it is no mere Saturday, September 23. It is International Day of Sign Languages, no less. This one is for the deaf community, the hard of hearing the mute, the semi-speaking, the hearing impaired. For all those, in fact, under this wide and vibrant umbrella, we wish you a very happy IDSL, today and every day.

The day's commemoration, in a nutshell, via the United Nations:

The International Day of Sign Languages is a unique opportunity to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all deaf people and other sign language users. During the 2023 celebration of the International Day of Sign Languages, the world will once again highlight the unity generated by our sign languages. Deaf communities, governments, and civil society organizations maintain their collective efforts - hand in hand - in fostering, promoting, and recognizing national sign languages as part of their countries’ vibrant and diverse linguistic landscapes. 

Wishing you a happy celebration folks across Tumblr's rich and talented sign language community. Thank you, folks, and enjoy the weekend.

[cherry-pop-elf]

Breakfast

George Weasley x Reader

Summary: It was finally the weekend, which meant rest for you. Not so much for George, but that wasn’t an issue. He loved his job. Regardless, early mornings can be lonely. Luckily, he always does open the store later in the day. So today, you THREE get to spend time together. You, Georgie, and little Freddy

((Btw yes I’m using ASL instead of BSL. It’s easier to get accurate with research, and it can help teach more people to!))

“WHOOPSIE-!” Certainly a concerning word, in any house hold. Was what made you wake up. You didn’t want to, but oh well. The sacrifices every parent makes. George wasn’t in bed with you anyway. No fun being in bed, with out someone to cuddle.

You would pull yourself out of bed, while steal your husbands sleep robe, and proceed to try and figure out why your son was going Whoopsies. Because if he’s saying that, something’s probably on fire. Or exploded. Or currently trying to climb itself out of a trunk.

“Hey, accidents happen. Don’t worry. Here, I’ll clean it up-“ That sweet voice would comfort, as you entered the kitchen. The smell of breakfast heavy in the air, and the windows open to the early morning noise.

What a sight it was. Seeing your handsome husband. That ginger hair all a mess in the early morning. Plaided pants, with hand me down shirt that was somehow surviving from either spite or love. (You bet it’s a mixture of both, with those Weasleys)

Little Freddy himself was in a bright purple pajama set. With the cutest little designs all over it. Just like his uncle, he just adored purple like no other. Like hell you wouldn’t let him enjoy such a color.

Your husband would wave his wand, and repare the broken plate on the ground. Nothing magic couldn’t fix. Seems like the two of them were making breakfast together. George teaching little junior how to cook, and clean. Made your smile, as you leaned on the door frame.

“See? No harm no fowl. You did the right thing, though. The plate was hot, and you let go before it could hurt you.” He would encourage, as to make sure little Freddy knew that everything was alright. Gentle, calm, and soothing. No need for yelling, after all.

“Can you sign Hot-?” He would ask Freddy, as he quickly nodded. His tiny hand would make a claw shape towards him mouth, before turning it away. As if eating an apple, and placing it down.

“That’s right-! Good job-!” George would cheer, as he yanked his son into his arms. Got him to giggle, as he was attacked in kisses. Such a proud father. You swore you might cry. George just adored his son to no end. It reminded you of the many, many, reasons you fell for him.

“Well now, look who’s awake-!” George would smile at you, before your son made grabby hands at you. That was your que, and you happily took it.

You would steal your bouncing baby boy, and pepper him in kisses all the same. A good distraction for George to make the plates for breakfast. Just laughter, and the sizzle of food.

“What has my little trouble maker been doing this morning?” You asked your son, as he gave a big smile. One that echoed the likes of his father. Helped that the ginger curls were over those chubby freckled cheeks.

“Daddy and I made breakfasts together! And he’s teaching me how to sign stuff that means breakfast!” Freddy would giggle, as you gave a wide eyed expression of curiosity. A means to encourage such behavior.

“He’s gotten so good at it. He’s gonna be better the me even. And I’m the deaf guy-!” George would snort, as you rolled your eyes at him.

Did have a point though. Being raised to learn sign language is alot different than having to learn it later in life. Luckily, though, George is far smarter than people give him credit for. Just look at the empire he made. Even with Fred’s help, it’s no easy task.

“We made waffles, and pancakes, and and-“ Freddy would babble on, and you listened to each little word. Cherishing it all, as you helped him sit at the table. Making sure he was secure in his seat, before sitting next to him. With George on the other side of him. Your shared bundle of joy, between his parents.

“You did a good job. It all looks so yummy.” You praised, as you gave his chubby cheek a kiss. Had him giggle, before he grabbed his sippy cup. Happy to enjoy some morning juice, as you reached behind your little boy.

“Just perfect.” You almost whispered, as you held George’s hand. The grip was returned, as he stole your fingers to his lips. Kissing them over, and making you blush all over. As if just an early year again, and admiring his skills on the quidditch team.

“Terrible.” You tease, as he gave an eyebrow wiggle at your manners. Had you snort, before he was quick to lean himself over. Had to make sure his partner got a kiss too. A kiss you oh so happily returned. All to the ‘gross’ babble of your son.

That soon had you both pamper his face in kisses, as he squealed at such an attack. Flailing little fingers, as you made sure he was adored in all the love you two could muster. That was quite alot, mind you.

“So, what’s the plan for today?” You asked, as George gave a groan. Had you giggle that he never truly gave up all his childish habits. As if you would want that. You needed to smile, after all.

“Work, work, and more work. Love the job, I do. Wouldn’t trade it for anything, but I wish I could just close the doors for one day…..I mean, I can do exactly that. I’m the boss here. Hm…..Maybe I should do that. ‘Closed for a family picnic’ and all that. Yeah, yeah I should do that-“ He spoke out loud, as he enjoyed his waffle.

“We can see uncle Fred!” Freddy would shout, as you would wipe the syrup off his face. Messy eater he was, but you savored it. Just was nostalgic, after all. A messy eater like when his father was young.

“The cemetery normally has, like, no people this day in the week. That could work, honestly. Just a private little family get together like that.” George nodded, as he showed he liked the idea. Made junior grin, with such pride.

“Sounds like a plan then. A nice picnic to see uncle Fred, and just a day to spend with us three. I love it. Good job.” You would add to George, as Junior was just all smiles. So much like said uncle, but certainly George all the same.

With the plans all set, the three of you enjoyed the breakfast between you all. With plenty of George teasing his boy. With silly faces, and stories of his youth. Was just divine to watch. To see him so happy again.

“All done-!” Freddy would suddenly shout. Was followed by placing both his hands to his chest, before bringing them back to the table. Multiple times, as to practice what the sign meant. Warmed your heart. Smart like his daddy.

“Good job, Freddy. Now, what do we say next?” George would ask, as Freddy had to think. With his little brows furrowed, as he huffed. Trying his best to remember what to sign next.

“We clean….” He muttered, as he gave sign language babble to himself. Trying hard to figure it out, as you both waited. With no rush. No yelling. No pressure. Just waiting, and letting him breathe.

“Clean….” He muttered, as would place his right hand on his left hand. Then he made a swiping motion, as if trying to wipe something off his hands. It wasn’t quite as smooth as it should be, but he still remembered it regardless.

“Got that right. We clean up. Well, try to.” George would give that awkward smile, as you gave him a knowing look. No yelling, like Molly would. George had a bad habit with his messes, but no one is perfect. He had quirks to make up for it. Much like yourself held your own bad, and good, habits the same. The goal was to try and prevent such to junior. The best you could, anyway.

“Yeah-! Clean up!” Freddy nodded, as he would stumble out of his chair. Adorable little waddle was made to the sink, only to realize he was to short. Made him frustrated, as he gave an angry little stomp. As if that would somehow make him grow.

“I’ll never get tired of that.” You sighed, as George nodded. The both of you enjoying the sight of little Freddy trying to figure out how to reach the sink. Just enjoying the moment, while you could.

“I’ll help him. You go out the sign up.” You said, as you stood up. He was quick to do that same, before stealing you into his arms. Just to hold you a moment, and savor it. Savor the bliss of the morning. With his head resting against yours. No words were needed, as you cupped his face. Tracing the scars, and admiring him in his entirely.

“Love you to, you big trouble maker.”

[windcarvedlyre]

Somewhat related to your Komaeda autism post, but did you know that FTD can often be mistaken for mental disorders like depression, bipolar, OCD, autism, etc.? And vice versa? I always thought it was interesting and I like playing with the idea that Komaeda got misdiagnosed with FTD because of that overlap. Idk it's just fun to think about (also because a lot of typical FTD symptoms really don't match with him imo so it could be a fun explanation idk)

Disclaimer: I have zero expertise in this.

I was actually just discussing that with someone! I'm not sure that's possible, though? Because of his age I feel like it would have taken a lot of red flags (or a lucky coincidence) for doctors to consider dementia at all, and there's no way they wouldn't have confirmed it with brain scans. @cry-stars recently told me about a case in Japan where a guy in his 20s had dementia mistaken for depression for aaageees, so I could see him being the same.

So I could see him being misdiagnosed as something else- or correctly diagnosed with something he has on top of the FTD, attributing FTD symptoms to that- for years before having it corrected to FTD, or luck leading to brain scans/cognitive tests getting him diagnosed out of nowhere, but not the reverse of the former.

I still really love reading meta on potential comorbidities, though! On top of the post-traumatic stress there's no way he doesn't have. I've read some neat perspectives on him from people with OCD and BPD, but I don't have them myself so I can't add anything to those discussions.

[mxmorbidmidnight]

I’ve noticed that in the drama group I’m in a lot of the time the improv characters people make up are just imitations of people with disabilities. Faking a limp or manipulating their body to mock people with cerebral palsy or imitating speech impediments and people with intellectual disabilities. I felt particularly alienated when one kid made a cripple joke and everyone laughed, people who claim to be “politically correct”, people who I consider my friends. People who call themselves disability allies, who call themselves punks. Everyone’s a leftist, everyone’s all for being kind until it comes to disabled people.

[bolters-and-rivets]

Hang on, I have thoughts about this that I don't think others have touched upon yet

obligatory I'm not hard of hearing, but I can't help but gush at how they depicted the Sister of Silence in The Tithes: 2 communicating in BSL, I don't understand sign language but the animations for the signs looked smooth as fuck and really subtle in their dexterity, so I'd love to know what someone who actually communicates in BSL thinks.

it also showed just how hard it was for the sister of silence to communicate with just about anyone, granted it's not 100% disability rep because SOS aren't hard of hearing, they just take a vow of silence for lore fluff reasons, but I feel like that would be an experience anyone who is hard would know. in the 20 minute run time of the episode EVERYONE she talks to, except for the warrior she spends every day with, pulls a complete fucking blank at the sign language an immediately turn to her collegue. in the above scene the planet is about to get overrun by bugs and those two (the lady who communicates in sign and the big lady in the golden armour) have people to evacuate, the Sister of Silence was likely venting with what she signed because she knew no one would understand her, and the custodian stepped in for damage controll to tell the arbitrators (read as cops) what they wanted to hear.

the character isn't hard of hearing so I don't know where it falls for disability rep, but I feel like the writers and animation team put legitimate thought into showing an aspect of lore laid down 40 years ago and did so in a way that feels like an experience any hard of hearing person might face of not just having people not understand you at every turn, but people who Do understand you going behind your back and lying about what you said to sooth someone elses feelings at the expense of silencing you.

I guess I'm surprised to see disability representation of that level in an animation that's basically "look at our pretty toy soldiers, now go buy them!"

[loki-zen]

like not to being Aspie Discourse back or anything but some of you autistic autismposters on this site are shockingly ignorant about autism.

~ brought to you by (e.g.) the Grand Theories of Autistic vs Allistic Social Norms/Ideals that rest on premises such as ‘autistic people never find it hard or tiring to take in a lot of verbal information at once’.

[stonelovesbeer]

[until-my-teeth-fell-out]

I used to not understand why "to turn a blind eye" and "to fall on deaf ears" were considered ableist language because they felt like just some phrases. But now that I think about it, if the only instance where people brought up autism in a conversation was something like "to display autistic uninterest" I'd be pissed off too.

[moltage]

so, Skipper. speaks English. We've seen him use Spanish because he "spent 8 years in the jungles of Mexico", wiki says he swore in Korean (this is the only one im unsure about), he probably knows Danish too-- having spent enough time there to get banned lmfao, also used Japanese words here and there (plus he once found himself in a hotel in Kyoto) so. We love a multilingual king

[mellow-elbow]

you can learn American Sign Language for free this spring btw

classes are free but donations are appreciated!!!

[venstm]

haitham knowing and using sign language is v important to me.

[chronicsymptomsyndrome]

Barbie 2023 with asl <3

[coffeecat1983]

Mario Bros: Inner Fears (Selectively Mute Mario and Arthur fic)

Others in this series: one, two, and three

Late September, 2008 The breeze carried the sounds of the city as it traveled through the streets and whipped up around a building and into the open windows of the top apartment.    In the living room, cartoons played on the TV as two boys sat on the floor. Luigi half watched the show as he worked on the coloring book he had picked out, crayons and markers scattered all around him. Nearby, his twin fiddled with a toy taxi, a souvenir from their first trip to the Empire State Building. Mario remained absorbed in his musings, not looking up as footsteps shuffled and Arthur entered. Setting his coffee mug on the table, he smiled as he watched his nephews.      "You boys having a good time?" he signed and spoke. Mario only glanced up for a second, allowing Luigi to answer.      "Yes." the younger one signed back. From outside came a sharp blaring horn followed by several sirens as a fire truck and ambulance rushed past. Dropping his toy, Mario curled up with his hands over his ears.      "Too loud!"

   He looked up at a gentle touch on his shoulder. Arthur sat on the floor, arms open wide. Mario dove into his warm hug, hiding his face as the sirens continued.      "Bad." he shuddered. "Sirens are bad." Seeing that his uncle couldn't read Mario's lips or really hear him, Luigi stood, tugging at Arthur's sleeve.      "Sirens mean bad stuff." he explained, "they're scary." A look of understanding and Arthur gently coaxed Mario to sit in his lap, with a motion to Luigi to sit beside them.      "Mario," he tapped his shoulder before signing along with speaking, "remember the cartoon yesterday? They showed what sound looks like. What do you think the siren for a firetruck looks like?"    Sniffling a little, Mario thought it over. "Um, they're long, an' skinny like a noodle." From further away now came the blare of the truck's horn.      Good! Arthur signed. "Luigi, what about the horn?" Luigi tried to remember what the cartoon had said. "It's low, so big? Like the drum!"      "Right!" Arthur confirmed. "I don't like sirens either, but I want you boys to remember something, they mean people want to help."    Mario looked up at him. Good? he signed, fumbling a little.      Right, kid, Arthur signed back. "They help."      Help. Mario tried to sign, then again with Luigi as they watched Arthur repeat the movement.

   A little later, Marianna returned from errands to find the bros giggling over a movie that was on. Leaving them to their fun, Arthur got up and began to help her put away groceries.      "The boys behave?" she asked.      All good, Arthur signed. "Mario got scared, sirens were loud. Got to teach them a new sign."    Marianna kissed his cheek. "You sweetheart," she spoke with a mixture of signing, "you'd make a great dad, you know that?"    Arthur rubbed the back of his neck. "I donno about that, Ma." This made her pause. Arthur never called Marianna by that nickname unless...      "Art, did something happen?" she said, making him face her. She was frightened to see the color drain from his face as he signed.      Marie's pregnant.

END? By "CC"

Others in the series are here:

Dun dun duuuun! Thought I'd jump back to this series real quick.

Do you know what show the boys watched that explained sound? It was Magic School Bus :D