Dialog Axiata launches DeafTawk paving way for greater inclusivity

Bringing deaf and hearing-impaired persons closer to their communities, Dialog Axiata PLC announced the launch of a trilingual version of the internationally renowned sign language interpretation app ‘DeafTawk’ in Sri Lanka, a first in the country.

The app was launched during an event held at the Dialog premises with hearing-impaired individuals and sign language interpreters in attendance. This is the latest initiative undertaken by Dialog in furthering its commitment to taking action to improve the digital inclusion of persons with disabilities in Sri Lanka, aligned with GSMA’s Principles for Driving the Digital Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities.

The DeafTawk app provides a real-time sign language solution at the user’s fingertips, where the app has partnered with over 50 interpreters.

The app offers users a choice of packages including 10 minutes for Rs. 100 + tax, 20 minutes for Rs. 200 + tax, 25 minutes for Rs. 250 + tax, 50 minutes for Rs. 500 + tax and 100 minutes for Rs. 1000 + tax. Dialog customers can use the app without incurring any data charges and also have the option of using the ‘add to bill’ feature for the packages. The app is available to download for free on Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Data charges may apply for non-Dialog customers.

Dialog Axiata PLC Group Chief Financial Officer Hong Zhou Wong said: “We are pleased to launch the localised, trilingual version of the DeafTawk app in Sri Lanka. Providing a real-time sign language solution at their fingertips, this app is a transformative tool for the deaf and hearing-impaired community. Dialog is committed to using the power of technology to empower and enrich Sri Lankans. The launch of the DeafTawk app is a testament to the company’s commitment to creating a more inclusive society where everyone has access to the latest technology.”

DeafTawk CEO Ali Shabbir said: “At DeafTawk, we are on a mission to empower 466 million deaf people across the world, and we are excited to partner Dialog to launch our operations in Sri Lanka which we believe will take us a step closer to achieving our objective. We look forward to bridging the communication gap and being the voice for the deaf community in Sri Lanka. We are hopeful in our efforts as we thrive to make the world inclusive for everyone.”

Social Services Department and the Parliament of Sri Lanka Sign Language Interpreters Head Chammi Dias said: “Deaf people face various communication problems and usually require the help of a sign language interpreter to communicate not only among society, but in some cases, even among family members. I believe communication can be done more easily, efficiently, and quickly with the help of the DeafTawk app and I would like to thank Dialog and DeafTawk for assisting the Deaf community in Sri Lanka to ‘join the conversation’ with this accessible and affordable solution.”