Abstract: A method for communicating using a portable device includes providing to a first person a plurality of messages for communication to another person. The plurality of messages are provided in a first format at a portable device. The method includes receiving from the first person a first selection at the portable device. The first selection comprises a first message that the first person desires to communicate to the second person. The first message is selected from the plurality of messages. The method includes translating the first message from the first format to a second format and communicating the first message to the second person in the second format using the portable device. The first format may comprise sign language or a picture format, and the second format may comprise an audible or text format.