Very tricky one, unless you could somehow use dragon alongside Seashell for the Grid 2, but I’m really not too sure.  There are non animated signs available that can be made to appear above the text on programs like Writing with Symbols and other Widgit software, so you could use Dragon in collaboration with that perhaps.

 

Andy Banns

 

ACE Centre North

Hollinwood Business Centre

Albert Street

Oldham

OL8 3QL

 

Tel:  0161 684 2333

Fax:  0161 684 2334

 

www.ace-north.org.uk

 

From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Margaret McKay
Sent: 05 August 2008 15:58
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: converting spoken word into animated signs [Scanned][Spam score:8%]

 

Hi there

 

I wondered if anyone knows of any developments in technology which would covert spoken word into animated signing . One of our educational institutions is keen to look at the possibility of exploring ways of converting speech to animated sign for deaf learners who would otherwise be dependent on an interpreter to access any learning opportunities. They are keen to consider the possibility of accessing funding to look at developing such resources and/or to investigate this further. 

 

Existing programmes like “Dragon” convert speech into text, the need for the deaf learner is to have speech (lecturer, fellow students) converted to a form of animated sign.  First stage enquiry shows that software like “Flash” provides a format but from then on it is purely developmental

 

I am aware that the area of digitised sign language is a very complex area given that sign language is often very much contextualised depending on what is being said and also that there are specific regional variations which can also influence

 

I suggested that I might assist them in the first instance by emailing professionals who might have some knowledge in this area and also who may be able to signpost any examples of developments or research in this area.

 

Any feedback or information would be gratefully received.

 

Margaret McKay

eAdvisor: Access & Inclusion

JISC RSC SW Scotland

 

www.rsc-sw-scotland.ac.uk