Smart Gloves that can Translate American Sign Language

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By Danielle Vachon, Third Grade Teacher and EC-SEAT Scholar

Since being part of this program I have become more aware of assistive technology in the classroom. I have a few children at my school who use their chromebooks for text to speech. This allows them to participate during writing time because they can get their thoughts down without struggling with spelling or forming letters. However, this is only helpful if the child can talk and speak clearly into the computer...

I recently stumbled upon a new invention! Two students at the University of Washington have created a pair of smart gloves that can translate American Sign Language into automatically into text or speech. They were designed to bridget the communication gap between the Deaf and hearing communities. The gloves use sophisticated sensors to recognize ASL gestures. The SignAloud gloves are equipped with sensors and connected via Bluetooth to a computer, which analyzes and translates gestures. When a gesture matches the computer database, the word or phrase is spoken through the speaker and then shows up on the document. 

How cool is technology?! This could allow a child who is Deaf or has trouble speaking to become a part of the classroom and communicate with classmates or put their thoughts down on a computer.

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uY-MyoRq4c



About the Author: I live in Plymouth, NH. I have worked with children my whole life. I started my journey of working with children at my grandma’s daycare. My love of children came from watching her work with them every day. I am continuing to earn my Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education and Assistive Technology at UNH. The EC-SEAT Program interested me because it promoted learning, development, communication, and participation in young children in classroom settings. I am a 3rd grade teacher at Gilford Elementary School in Gilford, NH. I want to incorporate my knowledge of special education and assistive technology into my classroom to benefit each and every child. This has been a very positive experience and I am looking forward to completing the program!

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