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Disney Animator's Free ASL App for All
21 Jul
Summary
- App teaches ASL using animation and facial expressions.
- Developed by a former Disney animator, it's free forever.
- Aims to bridge communication gaps with the Deaf community.
Josh Staub, a renowned animator who worked on films like Frozen and Wreck-It Ralph, has introduced the Small Talk ASL app. This new application offers an engaging and innovative method for learning American Sign Language (ASL), prioritizing the essential role of facial expressions in the language.
The app features an animated character named Oscar, designed to be a friend rather than a stern instructor. Users can manipulate Oscar's signing and fingerspelling, adjusting playback speed and viewing from different angles. This interactive approach, combined with Oscar's animated expressions, aims to make ASL learning more accessible and enjoyable.
Staub developed the app to supplement his learning of ASL and Deaf culture, inspired by a desire to bridge communication barriers. He emphasizes that learning from a Deaf ASL teacher is the best method, with the app serving as a supplementary tool. The Small Talk ASL app is available for free on the Apple App Store and Microsoft Store, with a commitment to remaining free indefinitely.
With millions of Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in America, many of whom experience isolation, the app seeks to overcome communication barriers. Staub encourages users to engage with the Deaf community beyond the app, fostering genuine relationships and cultural understanding. The app is supported by a diverse team of Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing professionals.
