Data plans with little or no voice time are offered for smartphone users with hearing disabilities that make talking-and listening-on a cell phone difficult. Now, information about Verizon Wireless' Nationwide Messaging Plans is available in video clips of American Sign Language.

Of course, the text is also written out on the site, so it's hard to imagine a user who would be able to navigate to the video clip but unable to read the plain text. Nonetheless, the effort is noted.

Verizon's no voice minutes plans are available on a variety of devices, both Windows Mobile and BlackBerry and can be augmented with limited voice minutes as desired.

Might be just the choice for that elderly relative or co-worker who is only frustrated when the cell phone rings and they can't hear who's calling. More advanced deaf users will no doubt find myriad ways to communicate-perhaps even sending video clips of themselves signing.