There’s been recent buzz about caption glasses, with some in the Deaf community feeling they exploit rather than empower. As a Deaf individual who communicates in ASL, I wanted to share my perspective.
What Caption Glasses Offer
Caption glasses can provide one-way access to information—primarily converting spoken language into English captions. While this may be useful in some contexts, it doesn’t create an inclusive environment for ASL users like me. Conversations require two-way communication, and captions don’t allow me to contribute equally.
Free or Affordable Alternatives
Many free apps offer similar or even better voice-to-text capabilities:
- Otter AI
- Microsoft Translator
- Google Transcribe
- Apple Live Caption
Other tools include:
- Apple Notes
- Google Docs
- Cardzilla
These apps are either free or far more affordable than the steep price of caption glasses.
What’s Missing? Sign Language Access
Relying solely on captions ignores the importance of sign language for full inclusivity. Tools like VRI On-Demand (Video Remote Interpreting) can bridge this gap, allowing real-time conversations in ASL.
What’s Your Experience?
Have you tried caption glasses or other tools? Do you know of accessible solutions that prioritize sign language? I’d love to hear your thoughts!