Woo--Woo! I think I can, I think I can...

The little engine that thinks she can!

(Actual ability TBD.)

I do (although I am ashamed to say it) have a facebook account. I got it so I could keep up with events at my college. But I also found a group supporting a Deaf guy (Chris Khanoyan -- pronounced, cuh-noi-an) who was to appear on American Inventor. There was actually a Deaf woman who pitched her idea of a vest with speakers in it to facilitate enjoyment of music for the Deaf on a previous episode, but she didn't get past an initial 'yes', so I figured that Chris's idea wouldn't go so well either.

I was both right and wrong.

Chris's idea is called "The Voice Inside," and it's basically a hand-held device with voice recognition software which translates spoken words into text which appears on the screen. So a hearing person is able to talk into the microphone so the Deaf person can read what they're saying, almost in real-time. The device also includes a keypad (which I'm assuming is like a cell phone) so the Deaf person can type their reply -- and let me tell you, Deaf people who have cell phones (aka: sidekicks) are the fastest texters you'll ever meet.

Chris explained in his presentation (facilitated by his mother's interpreting) that he is aware that there is existing technology for his invention -- there are already several kinds of voice recognition software, cell phones have the texting capabilities he is looking for, etc. The issue would be just bringing it all together and fine-tuning the design.

The judges weren't sure if the $50,000 prize for "regionals" would be enough to take his invention anywhere, but they loved the idea (and the lady of the bunch was moved to tears). They put him through as a semi-finalist in Houston. But he didn't win. Why? The judges picked two guys who created a rack to put different kinds of wrapping (saran, wax, etc) in a drawer. I don't know about you but I rarely use saran wrap anyway, and if anything I need an invention that makes it cut easier and not stick to itself.

So he was rejected. And I was livid.

But recently I've been trying to find ways that I can get involved in the Deaf community and donate to worthy causes within the community. Since I live in Idaho, I'm too far away to become an activist or anything, so I brainstormed to try to think of something I can do to contribute.

I have decided to start an organization to raise funds specified for Deaf Culture-Related innovations, events, and causes. I'm not sure what I'll call it yet, but this is something I have felt brewing within me for a long time -- it's great to finally realize how I want to express it. :)

By the way, I've been wanting to post a blog about a music video I recently ran across, but I don't want to post it until I can include the video, so please bear with me while I wait for a Youtube version.

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