Deaf and hard of hearing
Some people cannot hear conversations or sound at all. Others are unable to hear well enough to rely on their hearing as a means of processing information. The following sections may provide helpful tips on using several features of the service:
Product features and benefits for members who are deaf
Buddy List
Instant Messages
Chat
Product features and benefits for members who are deaf
There are many products and services available which are particularly useful to the deaf or hard of hearing, including:
Instant Messages, which allow you to have immediate, one-on-one, private chats in real time with other users of the service who are online at the same time as you (or with anyone on the internet using the AOL Instant Messenger service). Instant Messaging creates a private means for the deaf to communicate without using a relay service with the tens of millions of people who use the service.
More information on Instant Messaging.
You can also visit and join in our deaf and hard of hearing community.
The Buddy List feature lists the screen names of your friends and family members who are online when you're online - allowing for easy, spontaneous communication using the Instant Message feature. The following tips will help you get started using the Buddy List:
Setting up the Buddy List feature
If the Buddy List is not visible when you sign on, select Community from the toolbar, then Buddy List. From the Buddy List window, tab to the Setup button and press the space bar or Enter. You can navigate among buttons using Tab and activate these buttons by pressing either the space bar or Enter.
Modifying Buddy List preferences
From the Buddy List Setup window, tab to the Preferences button and press either the space bar or Enter. In this window you can choose a Buddy icon, choose a theme, easily attach new sounds to your screen name, set up privacy controls, and more.
Tip: To move among the options in each section, press Tab. In most places within these sections, you will need to press the space bar or Enter to activate the selected option.
Back to Top
The Instant Message feature allows you to have immediate, one-on-one, private chats in real time with other users of the service who are online at the same time as you. The AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) feature also allows anyone on the internet to have immediate, one-on-one, private chats in real time. The AOL Instant Messenger software can be downloaded from www.aol.co.uk/aim at no extra charge.
Sending an Instant Message
Press Ctrl + I to bring up a blank window for composing a new Instant Message. This can be done anywhere within the service. Use Tab to move around the Instant Message window.
Press Enter or the space bar to activate the highlighted Send or Available? buttons.
Tip: Pressing Ctrl + Enter will send an Instant Message without having to use Tab to reach the Send button. You can also set your Instant Message preferences to allow you to press Enter by itself to send an instant message.
Away messages
Tip: If you prefer not to be interrupted, turn off the Instant Message by putting an Away message on, which will automatically send a brief message to anyone who sends you an Instant Message when you are signed on.
To set up an Away message:
- On the Buddy List window, click Away message.
- Select one of the choices listed (At Lunch, Be Right Back, etc.) then click OK.
Note: You can close each IM after you reply if you want your Buddy's reply to 'steal the focus'. If you don't and are using IMs within the service, leave the IM window open after you reply. If you are using the AIM service you can minimise the window - it will go to the bottom of your screen and will not steal focus until you maximise it.
If you are using Instant Messages, the system will let you know who is sending the Instant Message and ask you if you want to receive it. If you are using AIM, the Instant Message from your Buddy will simply appear.
Tip: You can use Tab to move around the interactive parts of the Instant Message response window. Press the space bar or Enter to activate the highlighted Send or Available? buttons. Press Ctrl + Enter to send the message.
Our popular chat rooms allow you to talk in real time to other users of the service (or even members from around the world) about anything you are interested in.
Reach chat here.