After the COVID-19 pandemic and the return to campus, there was an increased need for hybrid and online meetings. Bilingual meetings that include sign language-spoken language interpreters have specific needs that were not readily available. The ACRES project is a direct response to these needs for a consistent location to host such meetings.
Sign languages are inherently visual and physio-spatial. There are a multitude of considerations for the technical components and space needs. The size of screens, pixel resolution, and text clarity; internet speed, and online meeting platform buffering capacity; background wall colour behind the signer; the room lighting to avoid shadows; and sound quality is critical, both input and output.
The project team trialled multiple off-the-shelf products and came up with our in-situ ACRES system. We would like to develop a mobile kit for when meetings happen in other rooms - funding dependent.
The team is grateful for the support of the Dean of Science at the time, Dr. Lori Francis, for the initial funding.
Team Members:
Dr. Linda Campbell (User)
Ashley Campbell (User)
Dan Campbell (IT Consultant)
Images of Setup:
For more information:
Contact Ashley, and she can direct where appropriate. ashley.n.campbell@smu.ca