VirtuASL Hand Tracking System

In the rapidly evolving landscape of Virtual Reality (VR), one area of concern that’s been widely overlooked has been the accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing. Even several years after the first VR headset was released to market, verbal communication remains the sole method of communication. This presents a significant barrier for those who cannot hear. This innovative project introduces a method for representing sign language within VR, facilitating the integration of the Deaf community into VR environments. By seamlessly merging physical sign language gestures with digital hand models, this solution enhances accessibility and interaction within VR realms. With a commitment to affordability, this technology aims to make VR accessible to a wider audience, ensuring that deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals can engage with VR experiences just as they would in real-life scenarios. This type of development would finally allow the Deaf community to begin to participate in virtual reality with all that it has to offer. Whether it be through video games and entertainment, to VR workplaces and therapy treatments. This initiative represents a crucial stride toward the development of more inclusive and accessible VR technologies for all users.