While the government is considering generalizing the wearing of masks, ideas are emerging to try to make this equipment more inclusive. A 21-year-old American girl is currently working on a semi-transparent prototype so that deaf and hard of hearing people can read lips.
As we reflect on the generalization of masks, we are also thinking of making them more inclusive. For example, semi-transparent masks that would allow deaf and hard of hearing people to read lips.
It's very simple, it was enough to think about it: we add a small transparent window at mouth level. This will allow the deaf and hard of hearing to communicate better with the medical staff, since they will be able to read their lips.
This will also allow them to exchange more easily with each other. You have certainly noticed, lip movements are an integral part of sign language. Hiding them is losing half the message. This mask could even become universal. Because it allows you to see the person smile, to add emotion to his face and therefore to make the contacts a little more human.
The problem is that it must cost more, I imagine.
Yes it's sure. But with all the companies that have started making masks today, it might be a good idea to make some of them more inclusive. It's the idea of a 21-year-old American student, Ashley Lawrence. At the end of last week, she started making her own masks with a sheet and a piece of plastic and then sending them around the world. An initiative that has been enormously successful.
Do you know if the plans will be available?
Yes, by Wednesday normally. There will also be a tutorial on Youtube for anyone to make. She even thought of those who have a hearing aid or a cochlear implant, therefore who cannot put the elastic behind the ears. It offers a tie behind the head and the neck. These are small details, but which concern more people than we imagine.
Again, revealing the smiles behind the masks would do us so much good, if we were to generalize them.