#WHYISIGNPTASL with Diane Poulin

Video description:
Diane (female with long gray braided hair that drapes over her shoulder, wears a long sleeved black shirt and glasses) stands in front of a dark background and signs into the camera. 

Video transcript:
Hello. I'm Diane Poulin.  I am DeafBlind and I'm from Tacoma, WA. I'd like to share with you a few reasons that PTASL is so important to me. First, I recently purchased a new computer monitor and when the person delivered it and started to explain how to use it, I missed what was being said because I was trying to look at the computer screen at the same time. Through the use of PTASL, all of the information being shared would be available to me, and that would aide in my understanding and a quicker acquisition of the new technology. That's one cool benefit of PTASL.  Another example is when attending a lecture or presentation. When the interpreter is seated in the distance, I am unable to see what they are signing. Through the use of PTASL, I not only know what is being said by the presenter, but I also know what is going on around me.

For example, if a person walks into the room, or if a person is being identified by name, PTASL incorporates all of the information into the interpretation. This allows me to have full access to information.  A third example is when the lighting in the environment makes it difficult to see what is being signed, PTASL is still effective because it is dependent on touch, not sight.  Being able to communicate fully allows me to connect with others and to fully understand and participate in the conversation. Being able to understand communication is essential. PTASL really does make a difference. #WhyISignPTASL

​(Video transcript and description also available for download as an accessible Word document)

#WhyISignPTASL ​​