Gallaudet University Introduces Technology Displaying Plays Inside Football Helmets for Deaf Players
Developed with AT&T, the prototype helmet technology, which dispalys plays inside helmet for deaf and hard of hearing players, could potentially offer communication solutions for first responders, construction workers, and others in high-noise environments.
- Gallaudet University debuted a helmet technology that displays plays inside the helmet for deaf and hard of hearing players, developed in cooperation with AT&T. The innovation was first used in a game that marked the team's inaugural win of the season.
- The helmet technology functions via a button on a tablet on the sideline, which transmits the play over 5G to a tiny, nearly transparent screen inside the quarterback's helmet.
- It is envisaged that this technology could assist firefighters, construction workers, and first responders in high noise environments, while also boosting accessibility to jobs and daily activities for the deaf and hard of hearing community.
- Alongside Gallaudet players and coaches, AT&T's deaf and hard-of-hearing employees were consulted during the development process. Since its initial use, there have been numerous inquiries from youth coaches and parents interested in attaining the prototype.
- Gallaudet has been a hub for deaf technology innovations globally, having been responsible for the first Dictionary of American Sign Language in 1965 and pioneering the use of video phones on campus. There is hope that this helmet technology will follow suit as a mainstream tool.
Washington Post 
Associated Press 
