Storytelling tool for hearing-impaired children

Abstract

Be it the education or entertainment industry, technology has allowed humans to enjoy more convenience than before. Multimedia applications are used intensively on a daily basis in contemporary society. However, one group of people in particular is not able to get the full package of benefits like everyone else. It is the hearing-impaired community. A storytelling tool using an animated 3D character with a user-friendly interface attempts to stir up the interest of reading in deaf children. The basic principle of the program is such that a text input results in the animated 3D character to convey the meaning of the word through sign language. The language used in this case is SEE (Signing Exact English) applicable to the Singaporean context.