Speak

Home screen
User is added to queue after requesting to connect with a volunteer
User can call and chat with the volunteer
Volunteer can chat and call with the user
The text to speech translator is there to use when no volunteers are available

Inspiration

Hearing people often take for granted things that are unnavigable by deaf and hard-of-hearing people. Most deaf people are unable to speak vocally; the majority of hearing people don’t know sign language; covid-19 and wearing masks makes it impossible to read lips; and drive thrus rely solely on hearing and speaking.

What it does

Speak is a mobile app that connects deaf and hard-of-hearing people with hearing volunteers who provide voice assistance through a phone call and chat.

How we built it

We used React Native for front-end with the Expo framework and the Google Cloud Firebase to keep track of users.

Challenges we ran into

Connecting volunteers and users based on a queue system
Managing the chat and phone call system
Showing different options for volunteers
Login rather than sign up for returning users
Creating a voice to text function

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Ability to connect users through phone call and chat.

What we learned

Mobile development is challenging since new technologies are constantly being added.
Having a clear goal is important in developing a product.
Communication is key, especially when remote.