Category: Deaf Dad Moments

  • Caption Designs Over the Years

    With the recent reactions from the Deaf community and advocates about how hearing-owned companies selling caption glasses as well as using Deaf influencers to sell their product, I had the time to mull it over on why this issue keeps happening again.

    I’m all for accessible and inclusive AI and technology but it appears many of these are repurposed.

    Let’s look at captions:

    I recall when captions first came out, my parents purchased a caption box for me. We use them by connecting the cable to the tv and switch channels using the caption box. I was able to enjoy television by reading the captions.

    Eventually, tv’s had captions installed in them and caption boxes were no longer needed.

    Then there are captions for videos online.

    Then there were auto-captions leading to rely on AI.

    Then it became a tool the masses could use in their smartphones to access information and conversations around them.

    Now, captions are implemented in glasses.

    With the rapid rise of technology going caption boxes to caption glasses, the one thing remains is the design of captions are still the same.

    I’m not a designer, just a Deaf consumer who consumed these products.

    Also, I communicate in ASL.

    Over the years, these captions give one-way access to information then folks took this as an attempt to access conversations but it only achieved one-way access. And not inclusion where Deaf folks can be part of the conversations in their language which is sign language.

    So, I implore folks exploring access and inclusion using AI or devices to take into consideration how to contribute and create true access and inclusion where people can have conversations and interact in their languages especially sign language.

    I have yet to see this happen.

  • Are Caption Glasses Truly Accessible for Deaf Individuals?

    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!

  • The ONE Thing I Usually Do When Picking Up Groceries

    The other day I went to pick up groceries. You know when you order groceries through an app then you get assigned a date and time when they’re ready to be picked up? That.

    Sometimes I go by myself, sometimes with my wife, or with my toddler. Or all of them together. Anyway, at times, when I go by myself or just with my toddlers, I’d arrive and park at the stall. Then I’ll call the number on the stall through on-demand interpreting services. Or most know this as VRS. Then I’d give the name and stall number I’m parked in. Then while waiting, if I’m by myself, I’ll be taking the time to think about my next post or just simply take the time to meditate. If I’m with the kids, then I’ll have a conversation with them.

    Then when the employee comes out with the groceries, I’d typically get out to open the trunk. Usually, my intention is to at least connect with a basic conversation with them. First, I’d sign, “How are you?” The expected response is they freeze like a deer caught in headlights. Then I get sure with the thumbs up. This typically eases the tension. Then I’d get back in the car and let them load the groceries into the trunk. After they’re done, they usually know to get my attention or make eye contact with me before they close the trunk then go. This usually ends with a wave or thumbs up.

    Now, for those you watching or reading this, what would you do in a similar situation like this and why? Comment below. I’m curious to know.

  • Day One

    A couple of weeks ago, I started following some fathers or dads with social media accounts. Since I’m a dad, of course, I was curious to know what others were doing. I was intrigued. What triggered me to look for accounts for ideas and inspiration is that I am Deaf and a dad. Hence, you see me use these together Deaf dad. Just pronouncing this rolls off my tongue well. It’s like music and beats on my tongue. Anyway, yes, as a Deaf dad, I bump into other parents at my toddler’s school. These parents are not Deaf and they don’t know ASL. So, there is usually some barrier imposed between us each time we’re there in person. Kind of like a glass wall between us where we make eye contact, smile and wave. Then give the thumbs-up gesture on how we’re doing then we move on to doing what we have to do with our kids.

    These parents have never met or known Deaf people or the community. Or are aware of what values lie within being Deaf and using ASL as a natural language. There have been times when we say we like to get together to learn ASL. Usually, this doesn’t happen. So, this is where I come in. I’ll be more active and intentional with my presence on social media as a Deaf dad. Of course, the most important thing, I want to do as a Deaf dad is to be there for my kids. As well as be there for my spouse. Be the Deaf dad I want to be for my family. I’m not gonna lie, it’s hard. Hard to do while working a full-time job, doing freelance work, and Deaf dad duties.

    So, this is my Day One post. Or maybe Week One. Originally, I wanted to post weekly blogs and as I started, my fingers just rolled into typing Day One. So, I’ll roll with it.

    Thanks for reading this far! This is the beginning of my blogging about my Deaf dad journey here. Actually, I think I’ll go with Deaf dad diary. Will roll with it as well. Anyway, comment below! So I can get to know you and what you’d like to learn as I go!

  • A Deaf Dad Heartfelt Moment

  • #DeafDadMoments

    Sharing a moment when I took my toddler along to do errands like grocery shopping.

  • Stickers as bandaids

    The other day, I gave my toddler a pair of scissors. I entrusted that she will cut papers only. So, I went on to do my chores tidying up around the house. Then my toddler came back to me with a book where she cut off the string that was attached to the baby bird. For reference, this book was titled, “Are You My Mama?” I told her that these were supposed to be stuck together. But I guess she figured out the purpose of the scissors. A few minutes later, she came back with a sticker attaching the string to the bird. Then I smiled because I thought it was cute. But for her, she signed DADDY HAPPY! Then it dawned on me she realized she knew she knew she had to get it fixed. I thought it was cute that she used the sticker to fix it. In ASL the signs for bandaid, tape, and sticker (depending on the context) are very similar. So, I see how this transcends to using stickers to repair things.