Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has been granted a patent for HearMe, a groundbreaking AI application that provides multilingual sign language translation to improve communication for those with hearing disabilities, fostering inclusion on a global scale.
Created by Dr. Modafar Ati, an Associate Professor in Computer Science and Information Technology at ADU, alongside alumna Reem Al Bostami, HearMe aligns with the UAE’s National Policy for Empowering People of Determination, aiming to enhance fairness, digital literacy, and accessibility.
The innovative platform enables real-time, two-way translation between sign language and text, converting signed movements into written words and vice versa into animated sign language. HearMe supports various sign languages, including American and French Sign Language, promoting cross-cultural communication and minimizing linguistic and accessibility barriers.
“Technology and AI should serve practical purposes with measurable social benefits,” stated Dr. Modafar Ati. “HearMe boosts the participation of hearing-impaired individuals in both academic and workplace settings, underscoring ADU’s devotion to inclusion and sustainable growth.”
The application is tailor-made to support inclusive educational and career pathways, empowering individuals with hearing impairments to engage fully in higher education and professional opportunities.
ADU is dedicated to enhancing accessibility through initiatives such as HearMe and the Inclusion Advocates of Tomorrow program, developed in collaboration with the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, Zayed Authority for People of Determination, and Key2enable. These endeavors reflect ADU’s Vision 2027, embedding inclusion, innovation, and community engagement within its academic and research framework.
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