AOL and MCI Expand Service for Deaf Dialers

America Online’s Instant Messenger service and phone carrier MCI announced the extension of their services for deaf and hard-of-hearing users. AOL will launch a service that lets AOL Instant Messaging (AIM) users with hearing disabilities access incoming calls using a local number provided by MCI.

Carrier Calls to the local MCI number can be forwarded to any mobile computing device or desktop device that uses AIM and thereby turns the device into a phone.

MCI and the AIM Relay Service already help deaf or hard-of-hearing users make a call by using an MCI relay operator directly from their AIM Buddy List on any AIM-enabled computer or wireless device. The AIM Relay Service allows a deaf or hard-of-hearing user to make a phone call using Instant Messaging (IM), which is read to the recipient by an MCI relay operator. The operator then transcribes and uses IM to send the response.

With the new AOL and MCI service, deaf users can also receive relay calls via the AIM service by adding the My IP Relay Screen Name to their Buddy Lists and registering for a local telephone number through MCI.

“We’ve seen the immense popularity of the AOL and AIM services within the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities and we are excited to extend its value by providing easy access to relay services,” said Tom Wlodkowski, Director of Accessibility, America Online Inc., in a press statement. “We are continually working to develop new ways technology can meet the needs of people with disabilities. Whether it’s placing a relay call from your AOL or AIM-capable mobile device or from the Buddy List feature on your desktop, this new service will be an exciting enhancement for users who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or those with speech disabilities.”

Source: CNET News.com and AOL”