A Computer Animation System for Creating Deaf-Accessible Math and Science Curriculum Materials

In this paper we report the development and initial evaluation of the ASL system. The ASL system is an innovative software tool that allows educators of the Deaf to add sign language translation, in the form of 3D character animations, to digital learning content. Although this first iteration of the system is designed specifically to improve deaf students access to K-3 math educational materials, the system s open architecture allows supporting additional age groups and additional subjects. Results of an initial evaluation with educators of the Deaf and native ASL users show that the subjects were able to produce accurate and realistic animated ASL discourse using the system. However, the majority of the subjects found the system difficult to use; future work will focus on design and development of an intuitive, sketchbased user interface.