Please login to use OIC Tools like Favorites, Comments and more!
ASL EXCLUSIVE WEB CHANNEL OFFERS BARRIER FREE NEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT TO THE DEAF
ASL EXCLUSIVE WEB CHANNEL OFFERS BARRIER FREE NEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT TO THE DEAF OICMovies.com Grows Rapidly as Members Enjoy Content in American Sign Language
Detroit, Michigan (Sept 14, 2009) ─ For the Deaf and hard of hearing, a sense of community can start with American Sign Language (ASL). For many, ASL is better understood than the written word. So, while the internet has become a place for news updates via streaming videos and RSS feeds, for some in the Deaf Community, the web still falls short of its full potential.
Until now. OICmovies.com is filling the internet with the chatter of news and life-style stories delivered exclusively in American Sign Language. From updates on Swine Flu to the Forever Stamp, OICmovies.com is quickly gaining a following as an entertainment network for the over 2.5 million Deaf Americans and an even larger Deaf audience around the world.
For many Deaf people, ASL is their primary language. Having content delivered through ASL supports a "barrier free" web experience, something that Mary Luczki, owner of Michigan-based ASL Interpreting and Educational Services, feels many on the web have overlooked for the Deaf. "While the web is built for content delivery, full accessibility for the Deaf is still challenging. Some in the Deaf Community have difficulty with the written word. ASL web video can change that," says Luczki.
Luczki, who is a frequent reporter at OICmovies.com and is Deaf herself, wants to help break barriers for the Deaf. "Twenty years ago, all we had to work with was VHS tape. Now, I can take a breaking story and translate it into ASL within a very short time. I'd like OICmovies.com to become the best available resource for news, information and entertainment in American Sign Language," says Luczki.
And the impact has already been felt. When the story on Swine Flu was updated, OICMovies.com members logged in to learn more through Luczki’s ASL news story. "We knew that many in the Deaf community still weren't getting all of the information. With relevant news, we're developing a loyalty from our members."
In addition to producing its own content, OICMovies.com also searches for other ASL content and curates those videos within channels that range from News, Health, and Money to Travel and Entertainment. Many members login just for laughs, following popular vlogger Cassie Simmons, as she shares her life's stories in ASL. To the amusement of growing fans, Simmons is more than a storyteller, but a true comedian. "You are very funny! I laughed and laughed! good job! hope to watch more from you", commented a member who goes by the name of caalwine.
Videos are available to view upon joining OICmovies.com. Membership is free and updates are forwarded to members via email as new ASL content is added to the site. Launched in March 2009, membership has already grown to more than 4,000.
Like many new specialized websites, OICmovies.com is working to capture its market. Co-founder and Michigan native, Carrie LeZotte, feels that the potential is strong. "This site is a barrier-free environment for those that find it more effective to get their information in American Sign Language. Because of that, we have a community that returns to see what's new. That's a great backdrop for delivering information to the Deaf or hard of hearing community and we have the ability to produce it quickly, in a high quality and cost effective format," says LeZotte. "This will appeal to corporations that put a priority on leading in diversity."
About OICMovies.com
OICMovies.com, is a Detroit-based company that produces original programming in ASL. OICMovies.com also assists companies to create a barrier-free experience for the Deaf and hard of hearing through Sign Language video production and translation for the web and other applications. OICmovies.com has a complete portable video production booth available for on-site video recording for events and other video production or hosting needs.
For more information about OICMovies production capabilities, contact Carrie LeZotte at (313) 567-4778 or carrie@oicmovies.com
