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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 other innovators and entrepreneurs to harness their skills for the greater good. Their motto? Make technology work for everyone.
As Deaf AI gears up to launch their product in the next six months, the feedback and support from the Deaf community are their guiding stars. Mehdi is convinced that with the right blend of technology and compassion, a world can be built where everyone’s voice is heard, understood and valued. Here’s to a future where Deaf AI not only transforms lives but also inspires a wave of tech-driven inclusivity.