Abstract
The authors describe a prototype communication system for users of the UK deafblind manual alphabet. A Teletact feedback glove is used to accept the Evan's manual alphabet as well as user-definable patterns. (The deafblind manual alphabet was adapted from the sign alphabet for the deaf by Edward Evans MP, who died in 1960.) The manual patterns are then decoded using a BBC Microcomputer which produces the decoded patterns as text (English alphabet), as well as audibly through a speech synthe siser implemented in software. From the results of preliminary trials as seen on 'Tomorrow's World' (BBC1, 5 May 1993) the authors conclude that the system has potential for many deafblind people who are unable to use existing (mainly braille-based) devices.
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