The Genesis of spokhand

Growing up in spkohand: bridging the Deaf and hearing worlds

We grew up navigating two worlds—the Deaf world and the hearing world. These worlds, though intertwined, often feel miles apart. Throughout our lives, we have faced and challenged inequality in the workplace, in schools, and in everyday situations. The fight is constant, and the impacts are personal. Compared to our hearing peers, our experiences are filled with unique challenges, but even within our own community, disparities persist, making us feel unseen and unheard.

I have friends who went through the same education as I did, yet they now struggle in ways that break my heart. They often reach out to me for help: “Can you translate this for me?” “Can you explain this?” “Can you come with me?” We are the same age, have similar backgrounds, but their constant need for assistance in situations that seem simple to hearing individuals highlights how much we, as a society, still fall short in providing equal access. It’s frustrating and disheartening to see them held back, not because of their abilities, but because of the barriers that surround them.

The accessibility gaps we encounter: stories that hurt

Imagine the frustration of navigating an unfamiliar airport, surrounded by signs and announcements in languages you cannot understand, and no one to turn to for help. This is exactly what happened to one of my friends on his journey to Indonesia, with a layover in Turkey. Upon arrival, he was lost in a sea of foreign languages. French, his native language, wasn’t displayed anywhere. The signs, the announcements, all were in English or Turkish—languages he didn’t know. There was no one to offer help, no visual guides, no captions. He missed his connecting flight simply because he couldn’t understand where to go. The anxiety, the helplessness—it’s a feeling too many Deaf travelers know all too well.

These stories are not just anecdotes; they are daily realities for millions of Deaf people around the world. From missing flights to being left out of conversations, the lack of accessibility leaves us feeling isolated, vulnerable, and dependent on others. It’s not just about missed opportunities—it’s about missed dignity.

Working towards equality and accessibility: our mission

We refuse to accept these barriers as the norm. Our team is a diverse group of Deaf, hearing, and hard-of-hearing individuals, united by a shared vision of a world where no one is left behind. Many of us have been fortunate enough to navigate both worlds with relative ease, but we know that privilege is not shared by all. We see our friends, family, and community members struggling, and it fuels our determination to act.

For the past seven years, we’ve poured our hearts into developing solutions that bridge the gap between Deaf and hearing communities. We are leveraging the power of technology, specifically artificial intelligence, to revolutionize how Deaf individuals access information. Our mission is clear: to give Deaf people the same access to communication and opportunities that hearing people often take for granted. This work isn’t just important—it’s personal.

Leveraging AI for the future of communication: hope through innovation

Imagine a world where every Deaf person can effortlessly understand every sign, every announcement, every piece of information—where there’s no more fear of being left out or left behind. That’s the world we are striving to build. Our work on AI-driven solutions for French Sign Language (LSF) is just the beginning. We aim to expand our technology to include American Sign Language (ASL), International Sign, and beyond, creating the largest and most advanced database of sign languages in the world.

With this technology, Deaf individuals could one day have instant access to information in their preferred sign language—whether it’s at an airport, in a classroom, or reading a news article. It’s a vision that could change lives in ways we can only dream of today. For the first time, we see a future where Deaf people are not just included—they are empowered, able to participate fully in every aspect of society.

A vision for an inclusive future: we need your help

Our mission is fueled by the belief that Deaf individuals deserve the same opportunities as everyone else. But we can’t do this alone. Your support can help us turn this vision into a reality. By investing in this technology, you’re not just supporting a project—you’re changing lives. You’re giving a voice to those who have been voiceless for too long.

We are asking you to join us in this fight. Your donations will help us build the tools that can open doors for Deaf people around the world. Every dollar brings us closer to a world where no one is left behind because of a lack of access. Together, we can break down these barriers and create a future where Deaf individuals can thrive alongside their hearing peers, no longer held back by systemic obstacles.

Help us give the Deaf community the opportunities they deserve. Help us make a world where everyone, no matter their hearing ability, can live with dignity, independence, and hope.