For all of our known history, communication barriers have always existed between the deaf and hearing worlds. Besides both groups not speaking the same language, there have frequently been misunderstandings about how to reach out to either group correctly and effectively. 

Bridg’d will be a literal game changer for deaf and hard-of-hearing people around the world. For example, many hearing people are quick to assume that deaf people not only automatically know lip-reading, but are good at it. The reality is that just a handful are capable of this skill. Even so, lip-reading is a lot of guesswork and deeply relies on context to fill in the blanks. In other situations, deaf people rely on tools such as pen and paper, or mobile phone texting, to get the message across. Deaf people also rely on sign language interpreters to participate in school and other activities, or to get through doctor’s appointments, or in other situations where it’s required. Sometimes getting an interpreter on short notice is costly and they are not always available everywhere. 

These are just some of the examples of communication difficulties that deaf and hard-of-hearing people experience in their daily lives. We plan to make most if not all of that a thing of the past with the new Bridg’d App. With the app, we aim to “take out the middleman” and provide deaf and hard-of-hearing people with a way to communicate DIRECTLY with hearing people without the need for tools or assistance. Deaf and hard of hearing people will be able to fully participate in group and one-on-one conversations, and make it much easier to interact with hearing people when the situation calls for it. 

With 466 million people worldwide having hearing loss, we recognize the need for open and accessible communication. Through Bridg’d technology, we plan to shatter the communication barrier that has long hindered the deaf community, and provide a way to bridge the gap between the deaf and hearing worlds.