The social enterprise Transkript online provides simultaneous speech transcription and sign language interpreting services to the hearing-impaired and successfully employs blind fast typists. This introduces a model of mutual support for two groups of individuals with severe sensory impairments: The blind received employment in a modern field, as they possess outstanding prerequisites for it, while the deaf can communicate equally and with dignity in many everyday scenarios thanks to their work. This contributes to social integration and increases quality of life for both groups.
The Blind and Visually Impaired in Service for the Deaf
Project owner: Transkript online s.r.o.
Responsible person: Ing. Zdeněk Bumbálek
2020
2,000 Euro Prize
CS
Civil Society / Social Economy
Diversity
Work
What is it about?
Challenge
Blind, visually impaired, and deaf communities face social discrimination and unemployment. These communities also struggle to access state-funded social services and communication support aids in private companies. Transkript online provides employment opportunities for the blind and visually impaired, while improving communication accessibility for deaf communities.
Idea
Transkript online creates new job opportunities and accessibility for individuals with visual and auditory disabilities. The project applies the unique strengths of the blind and visually impaired as a professional skill. Blind transcriptionists support hearing-impaired individuals through online communication on the Transkript Online app.
Actors
Transkript online works together with state institutions, as well as private companies and non-profit organizations to develop and improve communication accessibility. The project currently offers communication support for the blind, visually impaired, and deaf in companies and institutions in the Czech Republic.
Impact
The programme significantly improves the quality of life for blind, visually impaired, and deaf communities. Our clients also include the growing elderly community with age-related hearing impairments. Transkript online has also recently launched partnerships with local and international companies in the Czech Republic.
Transfer
Transkript online programmes are implemented in state and private institutions in all regions of the Czech Republic. The project is accessible for international expansion and collaboration.
Appreciation of the Jury
Transkript online uses the unique skills of the blind and visually impaired to transcribe texts for deaf communities. Individuals with limited to no hearing, with Czech not sign language as their mother tongue, can understand and communicate in-person or by phone at banks and public institutions from a PC or smartphone. The skills of each community benefit and support one another in their everyday lives and in the job market through a socially innovative connection.
