ConnectHear, South Asia’s leading assistive technology startup, made a significant stride in inclusive disaster preparedness with the launch of its ‘AI for Inclusive Disaster Response’ project at the Access.Ability.Tech. event in Karachi. The groundbreaking initiative, aimed at enhancing communication and accessibility for Pakistan’s Deaf community during emergencies, leverages cutting-edge AI technology and ConnectHear’s virtual sign language interpretation platform.
The launch event, which garnered attention from key stakeholders in the public and private sectors, was supported by the GSMA Innovation Fund for Humanitarian Challenges and in partnership with HANDS and Ufone 4G. ConnectHear’s mission is to bridge communication gaps for the Deaf community, which faces unique challenges during natural disasters. Pakistan is one of the top ten countries most affected by climate-related disasters, and ensuring that the over 10 million citizens with hearing impairments receive timely and accurate information during emergencies is a critical concern.
At the event, Mr. Kamran Akbar, Senior Social Development Specialist at the World Bank, was the Chief Guest. He highlighted the importance of accessible crisis management and praised ConnectHear’s initiative, saying, “Inclusive disaster response is not just a necessity but a responsibility. Leveraging AI to bridge communication gaps for persons with disabilities is a transformative step toward equitable crisis management. ConnectHear’s initiative sets a new standard for accessible emergency preparedness in Pakistan.”
Brigadier Tarique Quadir Lakhair, CEO of SIEHS-1122, served as the Guest of Honour and discussed the vital role of emergency response services in this initiative. He emphasized that AI-driven innovations are revolutionizing the way emergency responses are conducted, making them more inclusive for persons with disabilities. “The ‘Access.Ability.Tech’ initiative is a significant step toward ensuring that Deaf individuals receive timely and critical support during emergencies,” he said. “As a data-driven organization, SIEHS is committed to leveraging AI and digital solutions to enhance the efficiency and inclusiveness of our humanitarian efforts.”
The event also featured a panel discussion, “Collaboration for Inclusion – Technology & Public-Private Partnerships in Disaster Management,” moderated by Ms. Azima Dhanjee, CEO of ConnectHear. The panel included prominent figures such as Dr. Mazhar Iqbal, Health Specialist at UNICEF; Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed, CEO of HANDS; Mr. Mubashir Fida, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Social Impact at Ufone 4G; and a representative from the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) community.
Arhum Ishtiaq, Co-Founder and CTO of ConnectHear, shared insights on the technologies driving the initiative. “At ConnectHear, we’ve always believed in the power of AI to break down communication barriers,” he said. “We’re not just translating; we’re creating a system that can proactively deliver life-saving information in a format that is immediately understandable to the Deaf community. This project is a perfect example of how focused technological development, combined with strong partnerships, can create meaningful social impact.”
The project introduces two groundbreaking technologies to support the Deaf community during disasters. The first, Early Warning AI (EWAI), builds upon ConnectHear’s sign language recognition system and will automatically generate life-saving video alerts in sign language. The second innovation is ConnectHear’s virtual sign language interpretation platform, which has been enhanced to function reliably even in areas with poor connectivity.
To extend its reach, Ufone 4G has committed to distributing EWAI alerts through its network, ensuring no data costs for users of the ConnectHear app. HANDS, a non-governmental organization, will handle community outreach and training to ensure Deaf individuals and their families can fully utilize these tools. The project will initially benefit 1,000 individuals, with plans to expand through partnerships with additional organizations.
ConnectHear’s ‘AI for Inclusive Disaster Response’ project is set to significantly improve disaster preparedness and response for Pakistan’s Deaf community. By combining AI innovation with strong public-private collaboration, the initiative has the potential to transform how marginalized communities experience and respond to natural disasters. Through these efforts, ConnectHear is contributing to a more inclusive, resilient, and accessible future for all.