In his ‘Assistive Technology’ weekly column which runs in ‘BW Online’, writer John Williams ran an article on how a Deaf person can function in a hearing world. In this report, edited by Douglas Harbrecht, he points to Academy Award winner Marlee matlin. “The 35-year old actor is perhaps the world’s most renowned deaf person. her most recent, recurring role was that of a White House advisor on the TV drama ‘The West Wing’. Using a variety of assistive technology, Matlin lives her life to the fullest.” Equipment mentioned: a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) in her dressing room along with a television with closed-caption technology. “At home, she has a series of signaling devices to alert her when the doorbell rings, the phone rings, or when her new baby cries”. Matlin uses the internet, instant messaging, and e-mail. Says Matlin, “It’s truly a barrier-free environment”… She says she can’t imagine a deaf person surviving without access to assistive technology and the Internet.