There are about 5.3% of deaf and hard of hearing people in the world and only few sign language interpreters. In Europe, there is an average of one sign language interpreter serving 62 sign language users. But the density varies, e.g. in Germany, this ratio is 1/ 400. Despite many attempts in research and other automated technologies, none of these have fully replaced human interpreters. Current human interpreting service models are expensive and limited in time and space, thus they do not meet the users’ needs. Defera solves the following problems for the consumer:
• Language as a barrier to social interaction
• No immediate interpreter availability
• Too few language-pair choices within current services
• Service providers don’t meet with needs
• Lack of affordable interpretation
• More demand than supply.
Defera builds a “one-stop-shop” service platform – branded Chabla - for connecting sign language users with interpreters with a push of a button, from anywhere any time. It provides a wonderful free communication experience for all deaf and hard of hearing people, coupled with high quality product and free calls from deaf to deaf. Defera will make a huge difference to all its customers!
The DEFERA project was run in order to:
1. Define the precise scope of work for the technical activities required to take Defera to full commercialization by the end of 2018.
2. Research to further detail the go to market strategy, commercialisation and financial plan, and establish business models for targeted markets with partners for future exploitation.
3. Set specific risks and prevention/contingency/mitigation measures related to market saturation.
