Signly builds with Microsoft Azure for a more inclusive future in tech innovation

Signly is a technology-driven startup that aims to address communication barriers faced by the Deaf community. Despite ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility, the Deaf community continues to grapple with significant challenges. Signly recognises the unique nature of sign language, asserting that it deserves recognition and promotion Signly recognizes the distinctive nature of sign language, asserting it deserves both acknowledgment and to be part of the mainstream. To address this critical need, Signly is creating revolutionary technology that assists hearing individuals in communicating with sign language users.

Empowering equal access to healthcare

Signly offers a fully managed sign language as a service, underpinned by Microsoft Azure , which provides seamless integration of sign language translation into websites. By offering user-friendly software that supports multiple languages, Signly enables website owners to effectively communicate with Deaf users. The integration process is swift and efficient, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Many healthcare providers lack the necessary resources to communicate effectively with Deaf patients, leading to barriers in accessing crucial information and services. Signly’s innovative solution helps bridge this gap by providing a layer of technology that translates written language into sign language.

Sign language as a Service captures website text.
Expert Deaf translators quickly translate and upload the content to Azure from their home studios.
The sign language translation then instantly appears on the website via the Signly widget.

Through low-code integration, website owners can seamlessly incorporate Signly into their digital ecosystems. The software captures website text and sends it to Signly Studio, where a team of expert Deaf sign language translators swiftly translates the content. This ensures that Deaf users can access up-to-date information in their preferred languages.

With help from Microsoft, Signly developed a Microsoft Teams app called SignMe, which enables hearing individuals to find and book Video Remote Interpreters. This functionality facilitates remote assistance via video screen, allowing Deaf patients and healthcare professionals to communicate effectively while helping ensure equitable access to information.

Partnership with Microsoft

Microsoft has played a vital role in supporting Signly's journey. The company incubated Signly in its AI for Good program, providing a solid foundation for its development. As a Microsoft partner, Signly has gained global reach and benefited from the ease of procurement through the Microsoft commercial marketplace.

“Signly chose Microsoft Azure because of its diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. It’s important that we empower people in their communication needs. We need to empower the individual, whether they’re hearing, hard of hearing, or Deaf, to be able to communicate in the language of their choice, the one they use every day.”

Tim Scannell, Ambassador, Signly

Signly’s success is measured by the positive impact it has on Deaf individuals. Feedback from sign language users has highlighted several significant achievements, including reduced stress, increased control and equality, enhanced self-esteem, and time savings. The UK healthcare industry has already begun trialing Signly’s cutting-edge technology, and this is only the beginning of a movement toward enhanced communication for the Deaf community globally.

Accessibility is critical for the future of tech innovation. By eliminating barriers and ensuring inclusivity, tech products and services can cater to a broader user base. Signly’s collaboration with Microsoft and use of Azure exemplifies the importance of incorporating accessibility into tech solutions to create a more equitable and inclusive digital world.

Find out more about Signly on Twitter and Facebook.

“It’s impossible for many Deaf people to communicate in a spoken manner. Think about hearing people—they can learn sign language, but a Deaf person can never learn to hear.”

Tim Scannell, Ambassador, Signly