September 28 is the International Day of Sign Languages. Today, we would like to remember the commitment of Linguist Tullio De Mauro to have Italian Sign Language (LIS) officially recognized. The FMD organizes a number of programmes with students, such as Ambizione Italia for Schools that have a marked focus on inclusion and accessibility.
"There is no one deafer …" This is how, in 2013, Tullio De Mauro entitled his column on the Internazionale monthly to raise awareness on the fact that LIS was not officially recognized as a sign language. In fact, the National Agency for Deaf Individuals (ENS) published an article in memory of the linguist. On September 23, for the International Day of Sign Languages, ENS met again with Prime Minister Conte to ask that the Italian Sign Language be recognised, that deaf people be empowered and recognised, enjoying accessible information, a truly inclusive school and dignified and inclusive employment.
How can we promote communication with deaf individuals? Antonio Falsetti and Mateo Ibro, students at IIS Cipriano Facchinetti in Castellanza (Varese), developed a comfortable and easy-to-wear glove prototype that translates sign language into voice. Controlled by an Arduino chipset, the device is equipped with sensors that perceive hand movement and translate them into words. The glove is also connected to an app that allows the user to select the tone of voice and language, as well as monitoring the battery level. Project Good Morning was developed as part of the Ambizione Italia for Schools Educational Programme. Last year, the students presented the project to Brad Smith, Microsoft President and CEO [see news: Students and AI Lessons].
