A webcam is a video capturing device which usually plugs into a computer via the USB port and essentially projects what is in front of the webcam through to the other user, enabling users to see each other face to face whilst being in different physical locations. Webcams are often used for video telephony. Webcams are often used in conjunction with the internet to act as a videophone or provide video conferencing abilities.
Webcams can come with a range of features including:
- Microphones
- Autofocus
- Mounting clip
- Recording capabilities
- High definition capabilities
- Motorised pan and tilt to follow person around the room
- RightLight technology which automatically adjusts in poor lighting conditions.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Whilst webcams can be useful in the workplace for everyday tasks such as video conferencing they can also be beneficial for people who have a specific disability such as:
- people who have some degree of hering loss and find it difficult to understand telephone conversations
- people who use Auslan as their primary language
- people who rely on lip reading to communicate
- people who have difficulty writing on a computer
- people who have a difficulty expressing themselves.
Situations where a webcam may be useful in the workplace include:
- communication between offices
- communicating with clients in a remote areas or with people who are unable to attend the workplace due to their disability
- attending meetings when getting to the actual meeting venue is not possible
- where interpreting is required but an onsite interpreter is not available.
In order to provide video calling, webcams need to be used in conjunction with specific programs such as Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) programs and social networking sites.
Webcams and video calling have proven to be very useful for people who use Auslan and live in remote locations, particularly for those who require interpreting services but are too remote to access onsite interpreters. See the links below for more information:
The use of webcams is continually being researched with regards to using them for Telerehabilitation. That is, using webcams and the internet to improve access to allied health services for persons with communication disorders, physical disability or hearing impairments both within the home, and in rural and remote environments. See the link below for more information:
References
Disability Services 2010, Video Relay Interpreting Service, State Government of Victoria: Department of Human Services, Melbourne, viewed 5 May 2010, http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/disability/improving_supports/cultural_and_linguistic_diversity/auslan-video-relay-interpreting-service/video-relay-interpreting-vri-service
Sign Language Communications NSW 2010, Video Remote Interpreting, The Deaf Society of NSW, Sydney, viewed 5 May 2010, http://www.deafsocietynsw.org.au/interpreting/vri.html
University of Queensland 2010, Telerehabilitation Research Unit, The University of Queensland, Brisbane viewed 5 May 2010 http://www.uq.edu.au/telerehabilitation/about-us