Jellow Communicator is an innovative communication tool designed to assist individuals with speech and language disabilities, particularly those with conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism, and developmental disabilities. The project was spearheaded by Professor Ravi Poovaiah and Dr. Ajanta Sen. The journey of Jellow started in 2004 as a tangible physical product. Following this, in 2008, it was made available on desktops. Then, after extensive user studies, it was conceived as a complete communication system available on a variety of platforms. Jellow has been supported by IIT Bombay, the e-kalpa project from the Ministry of Human Resources and Development, the Innovation Fund Award from Unicef, the National Trust, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Nair Hospital, and the University of Connecticut, USA, along with several NGO's working in the field of persons with disabilities.
Jellow Communicator utilises a symbol-based communication system, making it accessible to individuals with limited verbal communication abilities. It consists of a grid of symbols representing various words, phrases, and actions. Users can customise the communication grids based on their specific needs and preferences. Grids can be tailored to different contexts, such as home, school, or community settings, and can include symbols related to daily activities, emotions, requests, and more. The use of symbols provides visual support to aid comprehension and expression for individuals who may struggle with traditional text-based communication methods. Jellow Communicator features voice output functionality, allowing users to select symbols and have them spoken aloud using synthesised speech. This feature enables users to communicate effectively with others, even if they are unable to speak verbally. The design of Jellow Communicator emphasises accessibility and ease of use, with intuitive navigation and user-friendly interfaces suitable for individuals of all ages and abilities. Jellow Communicator is available as a mobile application, making it convenient for users to access the tool on smartphones and tablets. The mobile app version offers portability and flexibility for use in various environments. Overall, Jellow Communicator is a valuable resource for individuals with speech and language disabilities, empowering them to communicate effectively and interact with others more independently. The project reflects a commitment to inclusive design and leveraging technology to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.