Sam Sepah On The AI Revolution You Haven't Heard About

At twenty months old, my world abruptly fell into silence. One day, I was a chattering child pointing at TV shows. The next, returning home from the hospital, I was unaware that the vibrant world of sound had vanished. Meningitis, a silent thief, had robbed me of my hearing, leaving me in a world I could no longer comprehend. As a confused toddler, I sat in front of our old TV, turning the volume up in vain, trying to understand the silent figures on screen. The tears welling in my parents' eyes witnessing my silent struggle were heart-wrenching. How do you explain to a child that their world will forever be silent? How do you navigate raising a deaf child in a hearing world? Thus began a new chapter of my life, where I would discover a new language and community.

Growing up deaf, my parents instilled in me a profound understanding: deaf people can achieve anything but hearing. Sign language became not only my natural and effective language but also the key to unlocking the boundless universe of knowledge. They nurtured a thirst for information, empowering me to navigate the world as an informed and independent thinker, unhindered by my auditory limitations.

Yet, despite their efforts, society often fell short. The world seemed unready to accommodate my way of connecting with information and others. Voice-based technologies, designed to connect us, often left me feeling further isolated when my untrained voice went unrecognized—a reminder of the barriers that still exist. This experience isn't just mine; it mirrors the reality of over a billion individuals with disabilities facing similar challenges in accessing information and fully participating in society.

In this AI-powered age, access to information has become a crucial currency, sought after since humanity's dawn. My parents, educated and hopeful, yearned not only for my return to normal hearing but for my happiness, success, and independence like anyone else. They understood that communication was vital for accessing the world's wealth of knowledge and a fulfilling life.

The emergence of AI-powered accessibility tools is revolutionizing how we interact with the world, bridging gaps between the hearing and deaf communities and leveling the playing field of communication. Picture a young deaf girl at a science museum, eyes alight with wonder, signing a question about a rocket to a tour guide. An AI-powered sign language device seamlessly translates her question into clear speech, just as voice-to-text tools work for hearing users. Her classmates listen intently, focused on her fascinating question, not her difference. Technology bridges the gap so everyone can communicate, create, and contribute organically.

We're entering a golden age of accessibility, where AI is making the world more universally accessible and useful. Imagine a world where technology helps everyone participate fully, regardless of abilities—where dreams become reality.

This shift isn't just a responsibility of tech companies or policymakers; it's a call to action for all of us. Whether crafting lessons, writing menus, designing products, or simply advocating for change, we must ensure our creations benefit everyone. Let's build a future where technology empowers everyone to thrive with confidence and independence, ensuring equal participation in society.