Communication barriers frequently limit deaf individuals' access to essential services. In Ghana, three tech entrepreneurs have introduced technological innovations to address this.

DeafCanTalk is a mobile application developed by a Ghanaian startup. It uses AI to facilitate real-time communication between deaf and hearing people. The startup was founded in 2021 by Ike Agyei Mensah, Bejal Joshi, and Victor Wealth-Adankai.

"In an inclusive classroom, for example, the deaf person needs an assistive tool to communicate and take notes while attending lectures. We leverage AI to convert the spoken words of the lecture into a recorded text that is saved for the deaf person, who can look at it later on to create proper notes, as well," explained Ike Agyei Mensah.

The application is currently available exclusively on the Android platform, where it has garnered over a hundred downloads according to the Play Store. DeafCanTalk incorporates a range of features, including note-taking capabilities, sign language courses, assistive communication technology, a dedicated customer support service called "Deaf-Care," telemedicine solutions, and inclusive employment programs. These features collectively aim to enhance the social inclusion of deaf individuals and those with speech disorders.

"We also use AI to generate QR codes that connect deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to interpreters on the go and are currently working on a speech-to-sign language and sign language-to-speech model using AI," added Ike Agyei Mensah.

Since its launch, the startup reports a user base of 10,000 individuals across the African continent. By merging technology with a commitment to social impact, the application signifies a substantial stride towards a more inclusive society, where communication serves not as a barrier but as a connection between people.

Adoni Conrad Quenum