Smart Computing for Communication: Real-Time Sign Language Translation for Educational Accessibility of Hard-of-Hearing Individuals

This paper presents a web-based application leveraging smart computing technologies to enhance communication and educational accessibility for hard-of-hearing children aged 5 to 7. The application integrates Natural Language Toolkit (NLTK) for text processing, real-time sign language translation, and video content delivery to facilitate seamless learning experiences. The proposed system translates spoken language into sign language using pre-recorded videos, offering a visually engaging interface that supports language learning for deaf children. Additionally, a safety education module is embedded to provide essential lessons on personal safety concepts, tailored specifically to the needs of the target group.Future enhancements will incorporate advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) models, such as Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT), enabling dynamic text-to-sign language translation. Furthermore, adaptive communication features utilizing 5G networks will ensure real-time content delivery with minimal latency, enhancing the application’s responsiveness and accessibility. This study demonstrates how smart computing technologies can foster inclusive education, bridging accessibility gaps and empowering deaf and hard-of-hearing children to achieve equitable learning opportunities.