If you’re deaf or hard of hearing, AI can turn sounds into text or create visual communication, using typed commands.
Converting Audio to Text
What It Is: AI can listen to spoken words and write them as text, helping you follow conversations or lessons.
Example: In Uganda, a deaf teacher named Grace types, “Convert this audio to written text,” into an AI app during a meeting, and it transcribes her colleague’s speech.
Prompts to Try:
“Turn this audio into text.”
“Transcribe this video’s speech.”
Tools: Otter.ai (online), Google Live Transcribe (free, some offline features).
Visual Communication
What It Is: AI can create simple pictures or diagrams to explain ideas, useful for non-verbal communication.
Example: In Kenya, a deaf student named Paul types, “Create simple pictures to explain photosynthesis,” and the AI generates a diagram with captions.
Prompts to Try:
“Make a picture to show how to plant a seed.”
“Create a visual for [concept].”
Tools: Canva AI (online), DALL-E (if accessible via community devices).
Sign Language Resources
What It Is: AI can find or create sign language videos for specific topics.
Example: In South Africa, a deaf woman named Lindiwe types, “Find sign language videos for job interviews,” and the AI links to free resources.
Prompts to Try:
“Show sign language for [word/topic].”
“Find videos on [subject] in sign language.”
Tools: SignAll (online), local NGO sign language databases.