Feature Story
Deaf AI ushers in a new era of communication accessibility
Mehdi Masoumi Co-founder Deaf AI
Artificial intelligence ( AI ) is shaking up our daily lives in ways we never imagined and a visionary , Mehdi Masoumi is on a mission to use it for something truly transformative — making life better for millions who are Deaf and hard of hearing . Welcome to the story of Deaf AI , a tale of innovation and the pursuit of inclusivity .
Our story kicks off in Iran , where Mehdi found himself deeply moved by conversations with Deaf friends and family . “ We had a lot of conversations around using technology to help Deaf students ,” Mehdi recalls , a spark of an idea flickering in his mind . This idea packed its bags and travelled with him to Canada , landing in Toronto . Here , Mehdi met a fellow student with a shared passion for tech and accessibility . Together , they started brainstorming : What if AI could bridge the communication gap for the Deaf community , not just in emergencies , but every single day ?
Then came COVID-19 , a stark reminder of the importance of accessible communication tools . And so , in 2021 , Deaf AI was born . Their mission ? To develop AI-driven tools for sign language interpretation and captioning . Imagine digital avatars translating spoken words into sign language in real time , or advanced captioning systems in public places where information often slips through the cracks .
The magic of Deaf AI lies in its unique approach to sign language . Unlike spoken languages , sign languages are a rich tapestry of facial expressions and body movements . This complexity poses a challenge for AI , but Mehdi is tackling it with gusto . They ' re crafting sophisticated algorithms and building extensive datasets to ensure their digital avatars can translate spoken words into sign language accurately and expressively .
One of the most exciting applications of Deaf AI ’ s technology is in transportation . You may be at a bustling airport and can ’ t hear the boarding announcements . For a Deaf person , this scenario is a minefield of stress . Enter Deaf AI ' s solution — digital avatars on screens at airport gates and on mobile phones , translating announcements into sign language . This innovation not only bridges the communication gap but also integrates seamlessly into existing setups .
But let ' s not sugarcoat it — the journey is fraught with challenges . Perfecting AI technology , ensuring cultural accuracy in sign language and building crucial partnerships are no small feats . Yet , the team ' s unwavering dedication , bolstered by support from organizations like MaRS and the Mobile Foundation , keeps them moving forward .
Looking ahead , Deaf AI ’ s immediate goal is to roll out their technology across Canada ’ s transportation hubs , from airports to train stations , making public announcements accessible through their digital avatars . But the horizon holds even more possibilities : educational tools for Deaf children , expanding into other public sectors and elsewhere .
Deaf AI aims to leverage technology to create positive change . Mehdi aims to inspire
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