Dexter--A finger-spelling hand for the deaf-blind

Abstract

Dexter is a five-fingered mechanical finger-spelling hand used by the deaf-blind. The hand is an output communication device which converts ASCII characters into the finger positions of the one-hand sign language. The deaf-blind user "reads" the letters by placing his or her hand over Dexter's hand and feeling the finger motions, in the same manner that he or she would "read" a human interpreter's hand. Initial testing confirms that Dexter can be used successfully by the deaf-blind. This paper reviews the background, design, construction and testing of Dexter.