iCommunicator Communications Access Technology Improves Communications at Wacker Siltronic

While bringing in a translator to communicate important information to and from deaf employee Chris Nguyen was effective, Wacker Siltronic managers knew a more immediate exchange of information would be better and more cost-effective. That's when Wacker Siltronic went looking for technology solutions. Their choice: iCommunicator—a highly sophisticated communications system that translates the spoken word into text and sign language and allows synthesized speech output as well.

Wacker Siltronic knows how to strive for perfection. It's a matter of identifying problems to be solved. It's a matter of continuous improvement. It's an attitude that's made them one of the world's leading producers of hyperpure electronic grade silicon wafers. And, it's what helps them develop the potential of their employees—including those with disabilities.

Communications Improvement Opportunity Identified

So when a communications challenge was identified at the company's Portland, Oregon manufacturing plant, company management was quick to react. Chris Nguyen, a deaf employee, had been employed at Wacker Siltronic for nearly two years. Management was pleased with his performance and felt he might be a candidate for increased responsibility. But, first, they had a communications issue to tackle.

To communicate important information to Nguyen, supervisor James Lee often had to bring in interpreters. The interpreters provided American Sign Language (ASL) translations to Nguyen and verbal translations back to supervisors. The process worked, but could be too slow in a busy manufacturing environment. "Besides the cost of using an interpreting service," says Lee, "I knew that communications would be improved if we could communicate with Chris whenever we needed throughout the workday." Since Lee had no idea what technology was available, or how to go about obtaining it, he turned to manufacturing team leader Stan Meek.

Meek set wheels in motion when he contacted Sheila Hitchen, a vocational rehabilitation counselor specialist for the State of Oregon Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). Nguyen was a client of Hitchen's prior to his employment at Wacker Siltronic. Managers believed that solving the communication access issues would benefit everyone on the team—Nguyen and his co-workers—and would help prepare Nguyen for a promotion when an appropriate position opened.

Partnership Formed to Review Available Assistive Technology

Selecting and obtaining the appropriate technology solution required a partnership among several disciplines within the company. Human resources manager Cheri Robison was instrumental in coordinating the effort and ensuring that the proper training was provided. Engineering and information systems management helped review potential solutions to ensure compatibility and to avoid technical problems with the manufacturing equipment.

Leading Edge Communications Technology Selected

After thorough analysis, a brand new device on the market—iCommunicator from Interactive Solutions, Inc.—was selected to help fill the communications gap. Wacker Siltronic became the first major manufacturing company in the world to purchase an iCommunicator system for use by employees who are deaf or hard of hearing. The iCommunicator efficiently converts in real-time: speech to text, speech to video sign language, speech to computer-generated voice, and text to computer-generated voice or video sign language. The iCommunicator software kit includes the iCommunicator software, a wireless microphone system and peripherals, and underlying software programs. It runs on Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows 98SE, and performs efficiently on high-end notebook or desktop computers.

Assistive Technology Gets Results

The solution works. "I really like the iCommunicator," says Nguyen, "because people can just talk—they don't even have to type!—and the iCommunicator puts their words into writing and sign language. The sign language is a little slow, but it helps me to understand what people are saying. I like the fact that I can type and it will voice for me in English too," he says. "The iCommunicator has made a noticeable improvement in communications," says supervisor James Lee.

Company Strives to Develop Employee Potential

"Wacker Siltronic is very forward-thinking in developing an individual's strengths," according to Sheila Hitchen. "They are proactive in hiring people with disabilities and in providing the necessary accommodations to allow these individuals to achieve their vocational potential."

"Not only are human resources staff and departmental employees comfortable in exploring and using accommodations," she says, "but they also actively seek ways to accommodate the needs of employees with disabilities so they have more opportunities for job advancement and promotion."

Wacker's people-oriented attitude pays off in employee morale. Nguyen, for one, knows he is a valued contributor.

"I love Wacker!" Nguyen says. "The people here are wonderful. My job has lots of variety, and I really enjoy being involved in the high-tech field. I'm looking forward to learning and contributing even more in the future."

"The most important reason for our growth into a world-class, market leader in our field is our people," says Robison. "We hire the best minds around, and then empower them to do the best work possible. The atmosphere is people-oriented and supportive, and we encourage and reward personal development and achievement. We also provide many opportunities for advancement, education, and training."