Empowering the Deaf Community Through Technology

I grew up in a different household, where my parents, both Deaf, communicated through sign language. As a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), I often found myself interpreting for them, navigating a society that frequently overlooked their needs. This experience opened my eyes to the stark realities faced by millions of individuals with disabilities—not just in communication barriers, but in the pervasive discrimination that often renders them invisible. In Pakistan, over 10 million people live with some level of hearing loss, and countless others face different disabilities. These individuals are often marginalized, their potential unrealized, because society has yet to fully understand the importance of inclusivity—where every person is given the opportunity to thrive. While reflecting on these issues, I was fortunate to be studying in the AKU-EB system, which truly embraces inclusivity, diversity and pluralism. AKU-EB caters to everyone, regardless of their physical ability, and offers additional technologies and services to ensure that students with different kinds of physical disability can succeed. These strong, rooted values of inclusion and equity shaped my worldview, reinforcing how important it is to create opportunities for all individuals to flourish.

During this journey, I met Arhum Ishtiaq, a fellow AKU-EB graduate who shared my commitment to supporting the Deaf community. Together, we founded ConnectHear—a platform designed to bridge the gap between the Deaf and hearing communities across Pakistan as well as focus on inclusion of all Persons with Disabilities. We wanted to go beyond offering services; we aimed to change how society perceives individuals with different abilities. Today, ConnectHear impacts over 100,000 individuals with hearing loss through sign language interpretation services through ConnectHear virtual sign language interpretation application as well as in-person mediums. But our mission goes further. We work to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the Deaf community in Pakistan and advocate for policies that ensure their full inclusion in society. This includes pushing for organizations to deploy ConnectHear application and have access to sign language interpreters and ensuring public spaces are equipped with tools that accommodate Deaf individuals. The journey with ConnectHear has taught me that societies thrive when we include everyone, when we listen and recognize the value that each individual brings. Deaf individuals, and people with other physical disabilities in general, are not burdens on society; they are capable, resilient, and full of potential. What’s needed is a societal commitment to give everyone the tools to succeed. Together with Arhum, we continue to advocate for a future where no one is left unheard or unseen. Through ConnectHear, we aim to not just connect people, but to inspire a cultural shift—toward a world where everyone has the chance to participate, contribute, and belong. Because when we build an inclusive society, we create a stronger, more compassionate future for all.