Ukrainian expat in Dubai shares online, social media struggles of the deaf
Lack of critical accommodations in digital world highlighted at first Dubai Deaf Fest
Dubai: The first-ever Dubai Deaf Fest being held today has highlighted the many challenges the hearing impaired community faces in different spheres of life.
Speaking to Gulf News on the sidelines of the event, Vitalii Potapchuk, Co-founder of Amsaan Project, an initiative dedicated to the deaf, spoke of how the challenges he himself faced as a deaf person brought out the unlikely entrepreneur in him to help the deaf community.
Personal journey
Of Ukrainian origin, Potapchuk said, “Growing up with hearing impairment, I faced unique challenges that shaped my early childhood. From a young age, I had to find ways to adapt to a world designed primarily for hearing individuals. As a result, I became highly resourceful and learned to communicate in ways that worked for me. One of the most defining moments came when I was 14, and I became fascinated with computers. I began exploring hardware, software and how systems functioned. My curiosity led me to explore IT and problem-solving, and I decided to pursue higher education in applied programming at a well-known university.”
However, as a student, he encountered significant challenges in the classroom. “I needed a live interpreter for lectures. The lack of accessibility for deaf students in education was frustrating, but it also sparked a solution-oriented mindset in me. I came up with the idea of creating a video relay service that would allow deaf individuals like me to access interpretation services online, without needing a physical interpreter present.”
This passion for IT and accessibility eventually led Potapchuk to co-found Amsaan Accessible Tours. “Through Amsaan, I aim to address the challenges I faced when travelling. As a deaf traveler, I often encountered barriers, from the lack of sign language support to inaccessible information. With Amsaan, I’m working to make travel inclusive for everyone, ensuring that deaf individuals have the same opportunities to explore the world without limitations.”
Filling the gap
He said deaf individuals not only seek greater access to services, but also in businesses, schools and healthcare facilities, which he hopes Amsaan can help fill the gap.
Potapchuk feels very strongly about the difficulties that deaf individuals face while navigating the online world.
“This is because of the lack of accessible content and communication barriers,” he said.
He lists the typical challenges as under:
Lack of sign language interpretation: Many online platforms, websites and videos do not offer sign language interpretation, leaving deaf individuals with limited access to information. For example, videos without subtitles or sign language interpretation can be inaccessible to those who rely on visual communication.
Inadequate subtitles and saptions: While subtitles are often provided, they are not always accurate or timely, especially in live streams or videos with complex content. Inaccurate captions can lead to confusion and hinder understanding.
Limited accessibility in customer support: Deaf individuals often struggle to communicate with customer service agents, as many companies still rely on voice calls for support. Without alternatives like live chat, email, or video relay services, access to services and help can be challenging.
Design and navigation issues: Some websites and apps may not be designed with accessibility in mind, making it harder for people with hearing impairments to navigate and find what they need. This includes poor contrast, missing visual cues, or buttons that are hard to interact with.
Social media barriers: Deaf individuals may find it difficult to engage in conversations on social media platforms where audio content is a key feature, such as live videos or voice notes, without visual alternatives.
“The lack of these critical accommodations can significantly limit deaf people’s ability to fully participate in online communities, access important information and engage with services in the digital world,” says Potapchuk.