Snapchat released a new AR-based lens that teaches users to fingerspell in ASL. Users can choose from three lenses which teach users to fingerspell common words like ‘love,’ their username, or the alphabet. While not as advanced as a dedicated ASL learning app, Snapchat’s popularity can help increase people’s exposure to American Sign Language.
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Jennifer Herbold becomes first deaf woman to act as superintendent at the historical New Mexico School for the Deaf as it navigates pandemic-related challenges.
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April Redic, the owner of Kansas City ice cream shop Kaleidoscoops and CODA, made learning ASL a part of her employees’ training in an effort to be more inclusive towards the deaf community. She and her father encourage other local businesses to take on similar initiatives.
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Google Chrome extension SignUp provides free ASL captioning. It is now available on the Disney Plus films “Moana,” “Zootopia,” and “The Incredibles.” Founder Mariella Stow created the tool to add vibrancy to lackluster closed captioning on streaming sites, or lack of captioning altogether. The service can also be used as a tool for ASL students.
The recently launched extension can be downloaded in the Google Chrome extension store. The creators started a GoFundMe page to crowdfund for their future goals which include adding more Disney classics to their library, hiring more interpreters, developing a mobile version, and expanding to other streaming services like Netflix and HULU.
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