There is a communication gap between users of sign language and the use of verbal language in the majority of society. As a result, users of sign language have less accessibility to common communication forms such as news, information channels, literature, television and radio. These circumstances heavily restrict the individuals’ opportunities to be immersed in society and culture, often leading to social isolation, exclusion and loss of opportunity.
In order to bridge this communication gap, the entrepreneurs are working on DITA, the Deep Immersive Transcription Adapter, a software package that translates verbal language from any audio-, text-, or image file into sign language. DITA builds upon recent advancements in the field of Natural language processing, machine learning and animation technology. By improving and creating access to information, education, and entertainment, users of sign language face less barriers to participate on cultural and social platforms. This will provide the individual with more control in their life situation, and an improved quality of life.
In the long term, the DITA project hopes to create a more socially sustainable society. They hope that DITA will dismantle the high threshold for people with hearing disabilities to participate in educational platforms and the workforce. The normalization of a product of DITAs nature will help to build more awareness surrounding the inclusion of sign language users and improve perspectives on disability as a social problem and not only a problem of the individual. As such, DITA will contribute to a better life for some, but improving a sense of community and dismantling incorrect attitudes towards disability for all. DITA has the potential to significantly reduce the tension in democratic and linguistic human rights currently transpiring globally.
UvA Ventures Holding has launched the Social Sciences & Humanities (SSH) Impact Fund that aims to capitalize on SSH research by supporting the development of academic spin-offs that address societal challenges. The initiative is a response to the need for practical applications of SSH research, identified through discussions with university researchers. For whom? The SSH […]
NewsKepler Vision Technologies, a spin-off company from the University of Amsterdam, secured a significant €1.5M investment from ROM InWest last month. The Dutch company will use the funds to accelerate the production of its ‘Kepler Night Nurse’ solution, a smart technology for care home fall detection. The company is now positioned for global expansion, targeting the UK and US markets.
News“With this agreement, we fortify our collaboration, reaffirming our dedication to diversity, sustainability, and entrepreneurship – values exemplified by DNNL. An endeavor that aligns with the educational and research efforts we stand for as a university,” says VU President Jonkman.
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