AI tools transform accessibility for Deaf, Deafblind • The Tulane ...
From the invention of Braille to the development of hearing aids, society has strived to overcome challenges faced by the Deaf and Deafblind communities. Today, artificial intelligence stands at the forefront of this movement, creating new possibilities and solutions. In a world driven by technology, accessibility tools are constantly evolving.
For example, the Ray-Ban Meta AI-powered smart glasses are equipped with an HD video camera, over-ear speakers, and a small button for capturing images. They also have Bluetooth capability, so they can make phone calls and connect to cell phone applications. The glasses are compatible with the Be My Eyes app, which provides support to blind and low-vision individuals by connecting them with sighted volunteers.
Enhanced Integration with BrailleNote Touch
In addition to compatibility with Be My Eyes, the Meta glasses can connect to a BrailleNote Touch device. BrailleNote Touch devices enable blind and deafblind users to type messages in Braille and transport them back to a device. With the Meta glasses, a deafblind user can capture an image of their surroundings and receive a translated braille description of what the camera captured.
Sign Language Recognition AI
Sign language recognition AI is one of the fastest growing and most researched areas of AI accessibility. This technology can read sign language users’ movements and hand shapes and translate them into English. While this idea could be revolutionary, capturing all of the nuance contained within a sign may be impossible.
As the world of artificial intelligence develops, the possibilities for Deaf and Deafblind individuals continue to grow.
“I think we need to proceed with due diligence,” Crochet said. “There’s definitely a potential for it … replace humans’ employment … [but] there’s no way that AI would be better off in all of those schemas [of real-life interactions], because it just doesn’t have the dimension to do that just yet.”
