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.
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.