Developing an e-Learning platform for the Greek Sign Language E. Efthimiou 1 , G. Sapountzaki 1 , K. Karpouzis 2 , S-E. Fotinea 1 1 Institute for Language and Speech processing (ILSP) Tel:0030-210-6875300,E-mail: eleni_e@ilsp.gr 2 Image, Video and Multimedia Systems Laboratory, National Technical University of Athens, Greece Tel:0030-210-7723037,E-mail: kkarpou@softlab.ece.ntua.gr Abstract. In this paper we introduce the characteristics of the educational platform that is being developed within the SYNENNOESE project. The platform integrates avatar and animation technologies, exploiting electronic linguistic resources of the Greek Sign Language (GSL), in order to provide a Greek-to-GSL conversion tool that allows to construct, store and maintain educational material in GSL. Besides reference to tool development in the context of a specific application, emphasis is placed on the adaptability of the Greek-to-GSL converter as a tool in line with the requirement for Universal Access and the Design for All principles in the context of Information Society. Introduction The work to be presented here is being developed in the framework of the national project SYNENNOESE, which in Greek means ‘mutual understanding’ and is addressed to the population of deaf Greek pupils of primary schools. The aim is to set up an educational platform with animated signing in Greek Sign Language by a virtual human tutor (avatar). The test bed learning procedure concerns teaching of GSL grammar to early primary school pupils, whereas the platform also incorporates a subsystem that allows approach by the deaf learner to material available only in written Greek form by means of a signed summary. The requirement for translation of educational content to GSL, follows the official -recently reformed- guidelines for the teaching of Greek language in primary schools for the deaf. According to the aforementioned guidelines, GSL is the first language of Greek deaf students by law (Act 2817/2002), and consequently it should be their primary means of education. Moreover, according to EU principles for accessibility to information in special education (see also COM(2000) 284 final [1]), all Greek schools have been provided with suitable equipment for unrestricted Internet access, so any e-learning platform supporting GSL can be readily applicable to real life school routine.