Sign Language technologies in view of Future Internet accessibility services

Abstract

In this paper, we touch upon the requirement for accessibility via Sign Language as regards dynamic composition and exchange of new content in the context of natural language based human interaction, and also accessibility of web services and electronic content in written text by deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. In this framework, one key issue remains the option for composition of signed "text", along with the ability for reuse of pre-existing signed "text" by exploiting basic editing facilities similar to those available for written text serving vocal language representation. An equally critical related issue is accessibility of vocal language text by born or early deaf signers, as well as the use of web based facilities via sign language supported interfaces, taking into account that the majority of native signers present limited reading skills. It is, thus, demonstrated how sign language technologies and resources may be integrated in human-centered applications enabling web services and content accessibility in the education and everyday communication context, in order to facilitate integration of signer populations in a societal environment that is strongly defined by smart life style conditions. This potential is also demonstrated by end user-evaluation results.