English
This Έργο is not specific to Greece. For more details, please visit OpenAIRE Explore.
Link with research outputs.
Please log in first and try again.
Open Online Platform for Learning the Sign Language
FunderEuropean Commission
Funder Contribution €248,000.00
Funded underERASMUS+ | Partnerships for cooperation and exchanges of practices | Cooperation partnerships in adult education
Project code2022-1-IT02-KA220-ADU-000088507
Open Access mandatePublications: NoResearch data: No
Identifiers
Description
"<< Background >>According to a 2021 report from the World Health Organization, over 5% of the global population, 432 million adults and 34 million children, experience disabling hearing loss, a number expected to increase by 2050. Sign languages, which are complex, fully developed natural languages using visual, manual communication, feature unique grammar and vocabulary conveyed through gestures, facial expressions and other non-manual signals.Each sign language is community-specific, making them non-interchangeable and do not universally understood. Despite specialized schools offering sign language education, there is a notable lack of free online resources. Most existing materials are in book format, which can be challenging as sign language., therefore, enhancing access to sign language lessons is essential, especially for adults who are friends or relatives of deaf individuals and may lack the time for formal education, as well as for deaf individuals seeking informal learning tools. The ""Talking Hands"" platform addressed this gap by providing accessible, flexible, and affordable sign language education tailored for those who need it most, excluding interpreters or professionals with formal learning options.<< Objectives >>The ""Open Online Platform for Learning the Sign Language (Talking Hands)"" project is driven by a vision to make sign language learning more accessible and engaging for all. At its heart, the project aims to create a comprehensive and user-friendly resource for learning sign language, covering multiple languages from the participating countries along with English sign language. This initiative goes beyond simply compiling language lessons; it seeks to develop a well-thought-out methodology for gathering and presenting these lessons in a way that is both practical and culturally meaningful. The process involves carefully collecting and recording sign language lessons to reflect the unique expressions and nuances of different sign languages, ensuring a rich and diverse learning experience.The platform will make these resources freely available online. It will not just offer lessons but will also provide a wealth of supplementary materials, such as information on Deaf Culture and additional learning aids. The goal is to foster an educational environment that is non-formal and flexible, allowing learners to access content at their own pace and according to their own needs.<< Implementation >>The ""Talking Hands"" project is structured into work packages (WPs) covering the entire timeline, from initial analysis to dissemination:Project Management (WP1): This package ensures coordination, monitoring and evaluation of all activities, including resource allocation and communication with the funding agency and partners.Lesson Development (WP2): Focused on creating, organizing, and recording 28 sign language lessons, this package included Inception Workshops to identify target groups and themes, a Methodology Guide for lesson structure and recording in native and International Sign languages.Online Platform Creation (WP3): Involved translating materials, developing a beta platform and gathering feedback for improvements. The final platform features content in seven sign languages (six national and International Sign languages).Dissemination (WP4): Sharing activities ensure transparency, publicity and maximum outreach to both target and general audiences, exceeding initial impact goals. This structured approach has contributed to delivering concrete outcomes and the project’s overall success.<< Results >>The ""Talking Hands"" project successfully delivered accessible sign language education aimed at non-specialists, including family members, friends, colleagues of Deaf individuals and Deaf people themselves. Key achievements include:A detailed Methodology guide was created, covering 28 lessons organized into 7 topics. It was written in English and translated into partner languages and in International sign language. Additional content on Deaf Culture and technical guidelines for consistent video quality were added.Experts in sign language and digital media from each partner organization worked together to record the 28 Video Lesson in each local language and International Sign Language promoting inclusivity.The Online Platform showcases the lessons through videos, learning materials and other resources customized for each participating country. Content is accessible in spoken and sign languages, including International Sign Language.The project emphasizes flexible and inclusive learning beyond formal settings, aiming to improve sign language skills for a wider audience, rather than focusing solely on interpreter or specialized training."
Partners (7)
Start a new DMP in Loading
"<< Background >>According to a 2021 report from the World Health Organization, over 5% of the global population, 432 million adults and 34 million children, experience disabling hearing loss, a number expected to increase by 2050. Sign languages, which are complex, fully developed natural languages using visual, manual communication, feature unique grammar and vocabulary conveyed through gestures, facial expressions and other non-manual signals.Each sign language is community-specific, making them non-interchangeable and do not universally understood. Despite specialized schools offering sign language education, there is a notable lack of free online resources. Most existing materials are in book format, which can be challenging as sign language., therefore, enhancing access to sign language lessons is essential, especially for adults who are friends or relatives of deaf individuals and may lack the time for formal education, as well as for deaf individuals seeking informal learning tools. The ""Talking Hands"" platform addressed this gap by providing accessible, flexible, and affordable sign language education tailored for those who need it most, excluding interpreters or professionals with formal learning options.<< Objectives >>The ""Open Online Platform for Learning the Sign Language (Talking Hands)"" project is driven by a vision to make sign language learning more accessible and engaging for all. At its heart, the project aims to create a comprehensive and user-friendly resource for learning sign language, covering multiple languages from the participating countries along with English sign language. This initiative goes beyond simply compiling language lessons; it seeks to develop a well-thought-out methodology for gathering and presenting these lessons in a way that is both practical and culturally meaningful. The process involves carefully collecting and recording sign language lessons to reflect the unique expressions and nuances of different sign languages, ensuring a rich and diverse learning experience.The platform will make these resources freely available online. It will not just offer lessons but will also provide a wealth of supplementary materials, such as information on Deaf Culture and additional learning aids. The goal is to foster an educational environment that is non-formal and flexible, allowing learners to access content at their own pace and according to their own needs.<< Implementation >>The ""Talking Hands"" project is structured into work packages (WPs) covering the entire timeline, from initial analysis to dissemination:Project Management (WP1): This package ensures coordination, monitoring and evaluation of all activities, including resource allocation and communication with the funding agency and partners.Lesson Development (WP2): Focused on creating, organizing, and recording 28 sign language lessons, this package included Inception Workshops to identify target groups and themes, a Methodology Guide for lesson structure and recording in native and International Sign languages.Online Platform Creation (WP3): Involved translating materials, developing a beta platform and gathering feedback for improvements. The final platform features content in seven sign languages (six national and International Sign languages).Dissemination (WP4): Sharing activities ensure transparency, publicity and maximum outreach to both target and general audiences, exceeding initial impact goals. This structured approach has contributed to delivering concrete outcomes and the project’s overall success.<< Results >>The ""Talking Hands"" project successfully delivered accessible sign language education aimed at non-specialists, including family members, friends, colleagues of Deaf individuals and Deaf people themselves. Key achievements include:A detailed Methodology guide was created, covering 28 lessons organized into 7 topics. It was written in English and translated into partner languages and in International sign language. Additional content on Deaf Culture and technical guidelines for consistent video quality were added.Experts in sign language and digital media from each partner organization worked together to record the 28 Video Lesson in each local language and International Sign Language promoting inclusivity.The Online Platform showcases the lessons through videos, learning materials and other resources customized for each participating country. Content is accessible in spoken and sign languages, including International Sign Language.The project emphasizes flexible and inclusive learning beyond formal settings, aiming to improve sign language skills for a wider audience, rather than focusing solely on interpreter or specialized training."
