This wonderful app was designed by a deaf Japanese developer. He reached out to us and wrote:
“My name is Fumikazu Kondo, and I am a deaf app developer from Japan.
Based on my own experiences of communication difficulties in daily life and while traveling, I developed a communication support app called ‘Travel & Conversation Wakatte-kun Card.'”
He also added:
The app is designed to help deaf and hard-of-hearing people, people who have difficulty speaking, international travelers, and anyone who needs extra support when communicating.
It can be used in many situations, including:
= Daily conversations
= Travel
= Shopping
= Public transportation
= Hospitals and medical care
= Emergencies
Users can display important phrases and translations in large, easy-to-read text. The app also includes speech-to-text, customizable phrases, and a 180-degree screen rotation feature, making it easier to show messages directly to another person.
This app is not intended to replace sign language or sign language interpreters.
Instead, it provides an additional and practical communication option that can make everyday life, travel, medical visits, and emergency situations more convenient and less stressful.
I developed this app as a deaf person who has personally experienced the frustration of wanting to communicate but not being understood. I hope that using this app will help people communicate more smoothly and feel more confident in daily life.
I would be grateful if your organization could try the app and share it with your members, service users, families, and staff if you find it useful.
iPhone and iPad: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6766714291
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.deafumi.wakattekun
I would also appreciate any feedback or suggestions for future improvements.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Fumikazu Kondo
Toyohashi, Aichi, Japan