Deafinitely

The Need

Millions of deaf individuals worldwide face communication challenges because their native language is sign language. Unlike spoken languages, typically learned through hearing and verbal interactions, sign language relies on visual gestures and expressions. This distinction can create challenges in reading for many deaf individuals, as traditional reading and writing are often taught and reinforced through auditory methods.

As a result, situations requiring rapid communication or complex interactions can be particularly challenging. In most cases, the problem arises from a lack of accessibility to digital content a lack of Communication Independence, and a Lack of accessibility to live video and streaming content The lack of real-time translation tools in digital spaces creates barriers for the deaf community, preventing them from fully participating in and accessing the digital world.

Alongside this, there is a global movement to make physical and digital spaces more accessible to people with disabilities, supported by growing regulations in developed countries, particularly in the U.S. Regulations such as the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) mandate accessibility solutions, but existing technologies still do not fully address the unique needs of the deaf community.

Upcoming and Updated Regulations:

1. European Accessibility Act:
   • Effective by June 28, 2025. Businesses selling products or services in the EU must comply with WCAG 2.2 standards, which mandate accessibility for websites, apps, and digital services like e-commerce and banking? (Impact Media)?(DEPT®).
2. 2024 ADA Amendments:
   • The ADA updates require stronger digital accessibility compliance. Websites and apps offering public services must adhere to WCAG 2.1 standards? (KNOW-THE-ADA)?(ADA.gov).      

The Solution

Deafinitely's AI-driven technology allows us to translate content, either text or audio and support multiple languages that bridge the communication gap by offering real-time sign language translation, empowering businesses to connect with their deaf customers and for the first time, offering deaf consumers many services more effectively, without the need for third party involvment.

The company’s technological solutions include a browser plugin and streaming services designed to make digital content more accessible to the deaf community.

The plugin seamlessly integrates with websites, allowing businesses to provide real-time sign language translations for their digital content on websites. In addition, the company's streaming solution enables media companies to offer on-demand video content translated into sign language, enhancing user engagement and expanding their audience. This plugin is in the development stage. 

These innovations allow businesses to better serve their customers while aligning with accessibility regulations such as WCAG, and ADA, which are evolving to the adaptation of technological solutions for broadcast requirements.

The Technology

The company’s engine leverages a novel translation and optimization algorithm to convert spoken language into sign language. This algorithm addresses the unique complexity of sign languages, which are gestural, rich in context, and rely heavily on non-linear elements, unlike spoken languages that are phonetic and linear. By accurately interpreting the context, syntax, and semantics of both languages, the algorithm delivers smooth and precise translations.

The translation process consists of several key steps:

1. Input and Preprocessing: The engine receives input in spoken language format, which is then preprocessed using fine-tuned large language models to translate between different grammar structures, ensuring that context, syntax, and semantics are preserved.
2. Mapping Phrases to Signs: The algorithm's core function is to map spoken phrases to the most suitable sequence of words in the target sign language. This is achieved by breaking down sentences into key components using NLP techniques such as stemming and lemmatization. A sophisticated scoring mechanism evaluates various translation options, prioritizing clarity, context, and fluidity to produce translations that are both accurate and natural. This step is vital for retaining the nuances of the original message, especially in complex and contextually rich sentences.
3. Optimization for Specific Use Cases: The translation can be optimized for different use cases, striking the right balance between latency and fluidity, and between accuracy and smoothness, to ensure the best possible user experience for each specific application.

Media