Paul Kelly
Sign Language Interpreter & Software Developer
(Creator of SignLanguageAI.com and StrongASL.com)
Early Life and Background
I grew up in a unique bilingual environment, learning both American Sign Language (ASL) and English as first languages. As the oldest child of two deaf parents, with two younger hearing brothers, I was immersed in both Deaf and hearing cultures from an early age. My childhood was spent in Florida and Oregon before my family moved to Georgia when I was in fourth grade. There, my father, Bruce Kelly, started and still pastors a deaf church in Atlanta.
Being a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), I naturally developed interpreting skills as part of my bilingual upbringing. From fifth grade onwards, I had the unique opportunity to interpret for my father when he preached at hearing churches to raise support for his deaf ministry. This early experience laid the foundation for my future career as a professional interpreter. My family's involvement in the Deaf community extends beyond my parents; I also have a deaf uncle and two adopted deaf cousins.
Education and Early Career
I pursued higher education in theology, earning the following degrees:
- • Bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies (2009) - Trinity Baptist College, Jacksonville
- • Master of Divinity in Theological Studies (2012) - Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary
During my time in Jacksonville, I worked as an interpreter for college classes and as a Video Relay Service interpreter for Sorenson Communications.
Professional Interpreting Career
In 2011, I moved back to Atlanta and began working full-time as a freelance sign language interpreter. From 2011 to 2020, I interpreted in a wide variety of settings including healthcare, mental health, legal, educational, job-related, government, and entertainment.
I've been a sign language interpreter since 2008 and obtained my national certification in 2009. The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) is the only nationally recognized sign language interpreting body in America. Certification requires a four-year college degree and passing both a knowledge exam and a performance exam that tests ethical decision-making and interpreting skills.
Film Industry Experience
My interpreting career expanded into the entertainment industry. In 2018, I served as the sign language coach on the film "Rampage", where I taught sign language to Dwayne Johnson for his character in the movie. I also worked on the film "Baby Driver" as the sign language interpreter for CJ Jones.
Transition to AI and Technology
In 2019, I began learning about AI tools and coding, which led to a significant shift in my career focus. In 2020, I started working full-time on developing sign language AI technology. This resulted in the release of the Sign Language AI app in 2021, available on both major app stores.
Throughout 2023, I released several major updates to signlanguageai.com, expanding the dataset and improving the accuracy of the AI translator. I also added functionality for English to sign language translation.
In December 2023, I launched strongasl.com, starting with a sign language dictionary of over 2,600 signs.
Current Projects
As of 2024, I've added AI sign language practice capabilities to strongasl.com, allowing users to sign a letter or word and receive the five most likely answers. I'm currently focused on expanding the sign language lessons available on the platform.
I'm now based in Winter Garden, Florida, where I work full-time on developing and improving strongasl.com and signlanguageai.com.
Contact Information
Email: paulkelly@terp.ai