Building alternative methods for aiding language skills learning for the hearing impaired

Rehabilitation therapy favour language development and cognitive processes in deaf children who are learning language skills. After some therapy, children should acquire narrative capabilities which are relevant in human communication and understanding. However, it is frequent that language practice takes place during therapy sessions only. Moreover, some kinds of therapy such as the ones related to language mechanisation, even though useful, become hard for children. In previous work, we demonstrated how videogames favour the repetitive approach required for language therapy. Nevertheless, technology offers other possibilities. In this work we propose two alternatives to video games to support language learning. First, we describe a colouring mobile application aimed at exploring the impact of art in language learning processes. Then, we describe two web applications based on mixed realities and tangible user interfaces. The idea is that these developments could be used not only during therapy sessions, but also for continuous practice at home with support of the parents. Requirements identification with language therapists and preliminary heuristic evaluation favour potential success and usablility for the proposed systems.