Politics & Government
Babylon Installs Videophone For Hearing-Impaired Residents
The new videophone will allow residents who are deaf or hard of hearing to call emergency services, family members and others.
February 10 2020
(Lindenhurst, NY) – Town of Babylon Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez recently announced the installation of a public videophone for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Essentially a webcam, the device allows members of the public to call emergency services, family members and others to use sign language. Councilmen Terry McSweeney and DuWayne Gregory were also in attendance.
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“On behalf of Supervisor Rich Schaffer and the rest of the Town Board, I am thrilled to provide another helpful tool to those with disabilities in the Town of Babylon,” said Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez. “We have made it a priority to ensure that all of our facilities are accessible and welcoming to everyone in our community, and this videophone will do a great job of advancing that,” he added.
The videophone came to Babylon after Fred Greenspan of Deaf Sensitivity Training made Supervisor Rich Schaffer aware of the free device and installation. After a few months of coordination, the system was installed at no cost to the town.
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“I’d like to thank and congratulate the Town of Babylon for providing this great asset to their deaf or hard of hearing community,” said Fred Greenspan of Deaf Sensitivity Training. On average, 11% of a given population struggles with these issues, which can easily snowball into unemployment and financial struggle. This free-to-use device will help many people get in contact with emergency services and loved ones,” he added.
The videophone is located outside the Public Safety desk on the east side of the Babylon Town Hall Annex in North Babylon ( 281 Phelps Lane), and will be open to the public 24/7.
Left to right: Andrew Baranowski, Town of Babylon Information Technology Director; Town of Babylon Councilman DuWayne Gregory; Fred Greenspan, Deaf Sensitivity Training (on screen remotely in Arizona); Town of Babylon Councilman Terence McSweeney; Claire McKeon, Town of Babylon Youth & Disabled Services Executive Director; Town of Babylon Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez.
This press release was produced by the Town of Babylon. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
