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Google to launch project for people with hearing impairment

Those with vision, other impairment will also benefit; they will use smartphones, related apps

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by MANNY ANYANGO

News31 May 2023 - 13:11

In Summary


  • The two-year project which incorporated with local partners and led by UCL’s Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) will provide a mobile device to 500 people in each of the three countries.
  • According to research by ATscale, 76 per cent of people in high-income countries own a mobile phone, but this figure drops to 45 per cent in low- and middle-income countries
Google Search

The largest search engine Google is set to launch a project targeting people with vision, hearing, and other impairments in Kenya, India and Brazil. 

Google says the project will enable the group to use smartphones and related mobile apps to read, for example, by adding colour and contrast to digital text, or even reading the text out loud.

"For people with hearing difficulties, apps can convert speech into text, filter out background noise, or even amplify the sound. And by installing multiple applications on a single phone, people can access multiple assistive technologies with a single device," Google said. 

Google’s Head of Accessibility and Disability Inclusion Chris Patnoe said the project will give the company the information needed to get vital tools to millions more people across the world. 

"These simple technologies already exist, but for multiple reasons the rate of usage is low. Innovators in India, Brazil, and Kenya have already produced many such apps," he said. 

"The project researches people’s use of these apps - collectively known as digital assistive technology (AT) - and measures the impact on their quality of life."

The two-year project which incorporated with local partners and led by UCL’s Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) will provide a mobile device to 500 people in each of the three countries.

According to research by ATscale, 76 per cent of people in high-income countries own a mobile phone, but this figure drops to 45 per cent in low- and middle-income countries

"This project will eventually look more closely at government policy and market failure, as well as demonstrate the value of these technologies to potential users," CEO of ATscale Pascal Bijleveld said. 

"The project will also train people with vision, hearing, and other impairments to use the technologies, enabling them to live healthier, more productive, and more dignified lives." 


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