# Sign Language Translators MyVoice Will Help the Hearing-Impaired Communicate By Katherinev123 | Published 2012-07-03 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/myvoice References: [springwise](http://www.springwise.com/lifestyle_leisure/device-translate-sign-language-sound-vice-versa/) & [uh.edu](http://www.uh.edu/news-events/Fulbright/2012/may/0529MyVoice.php) A group of engineering students at the [University of Houston](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/revoice) have created a device called MyVoice, a unique gadget that will enable better communication between the hearing-impaired and those without a hearing disability. MyVoice eliminates the need for a sign language interpreter because it is designed to translate sign language into sound communication (and vice versa). Containing a built-in speaker, camera, monitor and microphone, MyVoice operates like a motion-sensing device -- for example, [Microsoft's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-teams-3) Kinect -- by sensing gestures and hand movements, and then translating them into a sound version. It can also translate sound and voice into sign language, displaying the symbols on its monitor for the user. MyVoice just won first place at the [American Society of Engineering Education](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/signs-x-nvidia) Gulf Southwest Annual Conference, and the creators are now looking for funding to develop the gadget even further. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.6/10 - Popularity: 17% | Activity: 24% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Sign Language Translation:** The trend of creating new and innovative devices aimed at making sign language interpretation more accessible will allow more people with hearing impairments to communicate with others. - **Gesture Recognition:** The trend of using motion sensing technology to recognize and translate sign language can lead to the development of new opportunities in virtual reality, gaming, robotics and more. - **Assistive Technologies:** The trend of engineering solutions that enhance accessibility for people with disabilities is an area of disruptive innovation, creating opportunities in healthcare, communication devices, and wearable technology. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Technology:** The technology industry can incorporate sign language translation technology into their products creating a more inclusive and accommodating digital space. - **Healthcare:** The healthcare industry can benefit from incorporating sign language translation into healthcare communication, bridging the gap for patients and healthcare providers with hearing impairments. - **Education:** The education industry can utilize sign language translation technologies in classrooms, improving access to education for students with hearing impairments. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Text-Transcribing Eyewear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/assistive-wearables.md) - [Sign Language Smart Assistants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jinni-smart-assistant.md) - [Speech Rehabilitation Aid Chokers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/revoice.md) - [Voice Transcription Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/voice-transcription.md) - [Sign Language Translation Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sign-language-translation.md) - [Facial-Tracking Sonar Glasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/echospeech.md) - [Digital Sign Language Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-teams-3.md) - [Wearable Over-the-Ear Translators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ambassador-interpreter-20.md) - [Lip-Reading Necklace Camera Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/speechin-necklace.md)