DeafLearn

DeafLearn is addressing the critical problem of educational and professional exclusion faced by the Deaf community in the technology sector and workforce at large. The challenge lies in the lack of specialized, accessible, and culturally appropriate educational resources tailored to the natural language and learning styles of Deaf individuals. Globally, this issue impacts a significant portion of the approximately 466 million people who have disabling hearing loss, with an estimated 34 million of these being children (WHO 2016)

Generally, deaf-inclusive digital and tech resources based on sign language instruction and Deaf-centered educational content are few thereby impacting the potential of Deaf learners.

In the tech industry, and generally the global workforce, where ongoing learning and adaptation are key, the lack of accessible training and professional development for the Deaf results in significantly lower employment rates among the Deaf compared to their hearing peers. This not only affects individual economic stability but also contributes to broader societal inequalities.

By using sign language as the primary instructional language, DeafLearn ensures that Deaf learners receive high-demand tech and digital literacy skills in their native or primary language, enhancing understanding and engagement and ensuring that Deaf learners are prepared for current and emerging roles within the tech industry.

DeafLearn integrates mentorship and career readiness programs within the LMS which helps overcome the professional isolation many Deaf individuals experience and equips them with the tools needed for successful career navigation in the tech sector.

Deaf Learn is a digital Learning Management System (LMS) designed to tackle several critical barriers that the Deaf community faces in education, the workforce and the rapidly evolving tech sector. Deaf users sign up on the platform, choose their tech subject of interest, and learn. The platform automatically connects users to a pool of mentors who supports them in navigating their tech career journey.

DeafLearn adopts the following approach in eliminating accessibility, discrimination, bias, exclusion and inequities that Deaf individuals face in the tech sector through the the following ways:

Deaf-specific learning style: Many educational resources for the Deaf are simply adaptations of content originally designed for hearing students. This often involves adding subtitles or captions to existing materials, which does not accommodate the natural language processing needs of Deaf individuals. Such resources do not leverage Deaf learners' primary language, leading to less effective learning and lower engagement. Deaf Learn uses American Sign Language (ASL), as the primary mode of instruction. This approach respects and utilizes the native languages of the Deaf community, facilitating a more natural and engaging learning experience that promotes better understanding and retention of information.

Tech-based curriculum:

The fast-paced, evolving nature of the tech industry requires current and specialized training that keeps up with industry standards and practices. However, such training is seldom designed with the Deaf community in mind, creating a significant gap in opportunities for Deaf individuals aspiring to tech careers. Deaf Learn focuses specifically on tech skills, offering courses in high-demand programming languages and technologies such as Java, SQL, and Python. This specialized curriculum not only makes cutting-edge tech education accessible to the Deaf community but also ensures that the content is relevant and up-to-date, thereby increasing the employability of its users.

Community support in navigating career path challenges: Finding and securing employment is a complex process, often exacerbated for the Deaf by a lack of networking opportunities and guidance tailored to their specific needs. Deaf Learn integrates a comprehensive career pathing program that connects trainees with mentors, networking opportunities, and career readiness support. This holistic approach does not only educates but also equips learners with the necessary tools to navigate the tech industry successfully. It prepares them comprehensively for entering the workforce, supporting not just skill acquisition but also providing crucial industry connections and career guidance.

By addressing these challenges, Deaf Learn's LMS serves as a pivotal educational platform that breaks down barriers to education for the Deaf community, and paves the way for meaningful careers in technology thereby ensuring that Deaf individuals are not just participants but active contributors in the tech industry.

Deaf Learn specifically targets the Deaf community, aiming to improve their access to quality tech education and career opportunities. This community, which includes millions of individuals globally, faces significant educational and professional challenges due to communication barriers and a lack of resources tailored to their needs. The target population comprises Deaf individuals of varying ages who are either entering the workforce, wishing to transition careers, upskill, or advance in the technology sector. This includes:

• Young Adults: Deaf students and recent graduates who require technical skills to enter the tech industry.
• Mid-Career Professionals: Deaf individuals seeking to update or expand their tech skills for career advancement or transition.
• Lifelong Learners: Deaf adults interested in tech who have not had prior opportunities to learn due to accessibility issues.

Current Challenges They Face:

1. Lack of Accessible Educational Resources: Many Deaf individuals do not have access to educational content in their primary language, sign language, which is crucial for effective learning. Educational materials are often provided with subtitles or through interpreters, which can result in a loss of nuanced information and decreased engagement.
2. Limited Career Support: The Deaf community often faces isolation in professional settings, lacking networks and mentors who share similar experiences or can communicate in sign language, which limits their career development opportunities.
3. Technological and Skill Gaps: Due to the rapid evolution of the tech industry, staying updated with necessary skills can be particularly challenging without access to ongoing, accessible training.

How DeafLearn Addresses Their Needs:

• Education in Native Sign Languages: Deaf Learn offers all courses in sign language. This approach ensures that Deaf learners can access and comprehend content in their native language, which is essential for effective learning.
• Specialized Tech Trainings: By focusing on in-demand technology skills such as data analysis and programming in Java, SQL, and C++. DeafLearn equips Deaf individuals with the necessary tools to compete in the tech industry. This specialized training is designed to bridge the digital divide, close the skill gap and open up new employment opportunities.
• Integrated career progress support: The platform includes a comprehensive career path support system, connecting learners with mentors, offering networking opportunities, and providing career readiness workshops. This system is tailored to overcome the typical barriers Deaf individuals face in professional environments, helping them to build networks and gain the soft skills needed for successful career navigation.
• Community Building: By creating a learning environment where Deaf individuals can interact with peers and instructors who are either Deaf themselves or fluent in sign language, Deaf Learn fosters a sense of community and mutual support. This is crucial for learners who often feel isolated due to communication barriers.

Deaf Learn's solution is designed to directly address the unique challenges faced by the Deaf community, providing them with the necessary tools and support to access, thrive, and lead in the technology sector.

Our team at Datalead Africa is uniquely positioned to deliver this solution effectively due to our deep connections with and understanding of the Deaf community. These connections are not just professional but also personal, providing us with the insights and empathy needed to address the specific challenges and needs of Deaf individuals.

Community Representation

Diverse Team Composition: Our team includes members who are themselves Deaf, have family members who are Deaf, or have worked closely with the Deaf community for many years. This includes our Team Lead, Dr Arowolo Ayoola who is a stakeholder member of the Abuja Association for the Deaf (AAD) and has been an advocate and educator within the Deaf community for over a decade. The personal experiences of our team members with the barriers faced by Deaf individuals in education and employment deeply inform our mission and strategies.

Community-Driven Leadership: The leadership at Deaf Learn not only reflects the demographic we serve but also actively engages with community members to ensure that our solutions are culturally and linguistically appropriate. This includes regular consultations with community representatives, Deaf educators, and Deaf technology professionals.

Community Input and Guidance

Regular Feedback Mechanisms: We implement structured feedback loops with our users, involving surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one interviews to gather insights directly from the community. This feedback directly influences the development and refinement of our courses and services.

Community Advisory Board: We have established a community advisory board comprising Deaf professionals, educators, and community leaders who provide ongoing guidance on course content, platform accessibility, and outreach strategies. Their contributions ensure that our offerings are not only technically sound but also deeply resonant with and tailored to the needs of Deaf learners.

Partnerships with Deaf Institutions: We actively collaborate with institutions that are part of the Deaf community, such as schools for the Deaf and Deaf advocacy organizations. These partnerships help us stay grounded in the community's needs and ensure our solutions are aligned with their expectations and aspirations.

Implementation Aligned with Community Agendas

Culturally Relevant Content: All our course materials are designed with input from Deaf contributors to ensure cultural relevance and appropriateness. This includes the use of culturally accepted signs, examples from Deaf life experiences, and addressing common societal and professional scenarios faced by the Deaf.

Community-Focused Events and Workshops: We host events and workshops that are open to the community, providing opportunities for Deaf individuals to learn, network, and share their experiences and needs. These events also serve as platforms for gathering additional community input that feeds back into our course development and update cycles.

Datalead Africa has already designed, tested and launched the DeafLearn LMS online. The DeafLearn LMS represents a scale-up of the Deaf-in-Tech project which is designed to ensure Deaf persons outside Abuja can access our trainings. We are seeking to scale the solution to incorporate more tech topics as well as advanced tools. We also seek to have more Deaf individuals on our platforms

Datalead is applying to solve because we see it as a strategic opportunity for us to enhance and scale the impact of the Deaf-in-Tech project and particularly the DeafLearn LMS. Specifically, we are seeking support from Solve to overcome the following barriers:

Technical Barriers

Advanced Technology Implementation: To remain at the cutting edge of online education, particularly for the Deaf community, we need access to the latest in AI, video streaming technology, and data analytics. Solve’s network of tech innovators and industry leaders can provide guidance, partnerships, and technology transfers that will enhance the effectiveness and reach of our platform.

Legal and Regulatory Barriers

Accessibility Compliance: As we expand internationally, navigating the complex web of legal and regulatory requirements related to accessibility and online education in different jurisdictions presents a significant challenge. We anticipate that Solve’s expertise and network could help us in understanding and adhering to these varied regulations, ensuring that we not only comply with legal standards but also uphold the highest ethical practices in delivering educational content.

Market Barriers

Building Partnerships and Market Entry: Entering new markets and establishing credibility is a formidable challenge, particularly in regions where digital education is still nascent or where the Deaf community is underserved. Through Solve, we hope to connect with potential partners, including educational institutions and NGOs, who can help us navigate these markets more effectively and build trust and credibility

How Solve Can Help

Networking and Partnerships: Access to Solve’s global network of leaders in technology, finance, education, and social impact would provide invaluable connections that can accelerate our growth and enhance our product offerings.

Expertise and Mentorship: The mentorship from industry experts available through Solve can help us tackle specific operational, technological, and strategic challenges as we scale.

Visibility and Credibility: Being a part of the Solve community would also increase our visibility and lend credibility to our efforts, attracting further support from funders, partners, and the communities we aim to serve.

There are a lot of solutions which incorporates subtitling as a means of Deaf inclusion in digital learning, however the below sums up Deaf Learn's unique selling proposition 

1. Deaf-Native Instruction: Unlike solutions offering simple subtitles, Deaf Learn utilizes American Sign Language (ASL) as the primary mode of instruction, we will be updating our library with courses using other languages like the British Sign Language. This aligns with the natural learning process of Deaf individuals and fosters deeper understanding and engagement. Our choice of ASL is because it is widely understood and spoken in most countries in Africa and Asia.  

2. Tech-Focused Curriculum: Deaf Learn focuses exclusively on tech skills, currently offering comprehensive video courses in Java, SQL, and C++. We are actively editing these courses and expanding our library with additional high-demand tech tracks. 

3. Career Pathing Support: Beyond learning, Deaf Learn integrates a career pathing program. We connect trainees with mentors for personalized guidance, networking opportunities, and career readiness support. This holistic approach prepares them for successful entry into the tech workforce.

DeafLearn has the following activities incorporated into its system:

Providing Tech Education in Sign Language: Deaf Learn offers courses in sign language across various tech disciplines.

Career Pathing Support: The platform integrates career support services, including mentorship, networking, and readiness workshops.

Community Engagement and Support: Facilitates interactions and peer support through a dedicated platform.

Immediate Outputs

Increased Access to Tech Education: Courses in sign language remove barriers, making tech education accessible.

Enhanced Professional Skills: Learners acquire marketable tech skills such as programming, which are directly applicable to jobs.

Built Support Networks: Through mentorship and community features, users develop networks crucial for professional growth.

Short-term Outcomes

Improved Job Readiness: Learners possess the skills and confidence required for tech roles.

Increased Employment Rates: With relevant skills and support, Deaf individuals secure employment in the tech industry.

Strengthened Community Bonds: Enhanced sense of belonging and support among learners, reducing feelings of isolation.

Long-term Outcomes

Career Advancement: Individuals progress in their careers, achieving higher levels of responsibility and income.

Cultural Shift in Tech Industry: Increasing presence of Deaf professionals influences perceptions and practices, promoting inclusivity.

Economic Empowerment: Economic stability improves for individuals and potentially their communities.

Evidence to Support Links

Research on Education in Sign Language: Studies, such as those by Gallaudet University, show that Deaf students achieve better educational outcomes when taught in their native sign language, due to improved comprehension and engagement.

Data on Employment Challenges: Research indicates that Deaf individuals face higher unemployment rates. Programs that offer targeted job skills training, like those at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, have demonstrated success in improving job placement rates for their graduates.

Feedback from Target Population: Interviews and surveys with Deaf learners highlight the importance of community and mentorship in enhancing confidence and navigating career paths effectively.

Monitoring and Evaluation

To ensure these outcomes are being met, Deaf Learn will implement a continuous monitoring and evaluation strategy:

Learner Progress Tracking: We would monitor course completion rates and reach out to learners to know the prevailing issues.

Employment Tracking: We would follow-up with graduates to record their employment status and career progression.

Feedback Mechanisms:  We would regularly collect feedback from users to adapt and improve the educational content and support services.

Deaf Learn is committed to transforming the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, particularly the Deaf into educational and professional landscape in the tech industry. Our impact goals are designed to ensure that our solution not only provides access to education but also fosters significant, long-term improvements in employment and quality of life for Deaf individuals.

Impact Goals

Enhance tech Access: Increase the number of Deaf individuals who access and complete specialized tech trainings.

Improve Employment Outcomes: Enhance the employability of Deaf learners and increase their employment and retention rates in the tech sector.

Foster Professional Development and Career Advancement: Support continued professional development and career advancement for Deaf individuals in the tech industry.

Build a Supportive Community: Develop a robust community of learners, mentors, and professionals that supports ongoing learning and career networking.

Impact measurement

To measure our progress towards these impact goals, Deaf Learn employs a series of specific indicators:

Educational Access and Completion Indicators:

Enrolment Numbers: We would track the number of new and active learners enrolling in courses each quarter.

Course Completion Rates: Monitor the percentage of courses completed by enrolled learners, aiming for continuous improvement.

Employment Outcome Indicators:

Job Placement Rates: We would measure the percentage of graduates who secure employment in the tech industry within six months of course completion.

Income Tracking: Compare pre-and post-training income to gauge economic growth.

Professional Development and Career Advancement Indicators:

Advancement Opportunities: We would record instances of career advancement or promotions among our alumni.

Continuing Education: We would track the number of graduates who pursue further education or certifications after completing our courses.

Community Building Indicators:

Mentorship Participation: We would quantify the number of mentor-mentee relationships established and maintained.

Community Engagement: We would measure engagement through metrics such as forum posts, peer interactions, and community event participation.

Data Collection and Analysis

Surveys and Feedback Forms: Through regularly distributed surveys and feedback forms to learners and alumni , we would collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data on their educational experience and career outcomes.

Analytics Tools: Utilize LMS analytics to track user progress, engagement, and completion rates.

Follow-up Studies: Conduct longitudinal studies to track the long-term career trajectories of our alumni.

Continuous Improvement

Based on the data collected, Deaf Learn would regularly reviews and adjusts its programs to better meet the needs of its users. This would ensure that our approach remains relevant and effective, driving continuous improvement in our impact goals.

By systematically measuring these indicators, Deaf Learn not only tracks its progress but also ensures that its actions are aligned with its mission to empower Deaf individuals through education, enabling them to thrive in the tech industry and beyond.

Deaf Learn harnesses a blend of several technologies and user-centric design to create an accessible and effective learning platform tailored for the Deaf community. Our approach combines web technologies, video streaming, artificial intelligence (AI), and community-focused tools to deliver a holistic educational experience. Here’s an overview of the core technologies that empower our solution:

High-Quality Video Streaming

DeafLearn utilizes advanced video streaming technology for instructional content, delivered primarily through American Sign Language (ASL). High quality video streaming is important in maintaining the nuances of sign language, which include facial expressions, body language, and hand movements as they are essential for effective communication in ASL.

Cascading style sheets

Deaf Learn uses Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to enhance the visual presentation and accessibility of our web content. CSS allows for dynamic design adjustments that cater to the visual preferences of our users, such as color schemes that provide higher contrast for readability and layout designs that are optimized for navigation ease. CSS improves the aesthetic appeal of the platform but also significantly enhances the user experience for Deaf learners by providing a customizable interface that can be tailored to individual accessibility needs.

Secure Data Management and Analytics

Security and data privacy are paramount, especially when handling personal data in an educational setting. DeafLearn employs end-to-end encryption for all data transmissions and storage and advanced data analytics to continuously monitor and improve the educational content based on learner performance and feedback, ensuring the platform evolves in response to learner needs and educational trends.

Community Engagement Tools

Recognizing the importance of community and peer support in educational success, our platform supports

• Integrated forums and discussion boards where learners can interact, share resources, and support one another’s learning journeys.
• Virtual networking events and mentorship programs that connect learners with professionals in the tech industry, fostering a network that extends beyond educational content into professional development.
• customizable video playback speed and closed captioning options, allowing learners to adjust their viewing experiences to suit their personal preferences and ensuring that content is accessible regardless of their sign language proficiency level.
• High-contrast interfaces that cater to users with varying degrees of visual perception and those who benefit from enhanced textual or graphical representations.

Enhanced Accessibility Features

DeafLearn is built on a robust web-based LMS that is specifically designed to meet the accessibility needs of Deaf learners. This includes features such as

• customizable video playback speed and closed captioning options, allowing learners to adjust their viewing experiences to suit their personal preferences and ensuring that content is accessible regardless of their sign language proficiency level.
• High-contrast interfaces that cater to users with varying degrees of visual perception and those who benefit from enhanced textual or graphical representations.

For the Deaf-in-Tech project which hosts the DeafLearn LMS, Datalead Africa has 10 full time staff, 7 volunteers and 4 contractors

Datalead has been working on developing the DeafLearn LMS since 2022 (2 years) 

Within these 2 years, the program team was trained, and the product was developed, deployed tested, and launched.

At Datalead Africa, we believe our strength and innovation stem from the diversity of our team and our commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive work environment. We actively work to minimize barriers to opportunity and foster a culture where all employees feel valued, included, and empowered to contribute their best.

Our leadership team exemplifies diversity disability, ethnicity, and gender. A significant portion of our team, including leadership positions, is comprised of individuals from the Deaf community, ensuring that those who are most impacted by our mission have a voice in our decision-making processes. This representation is crucial in guiding our strategic direction and maintaining the authenticity of our educational content.

Inclusive Hiring and Professional Development

We utilize inclusive hiring practices to minimize unconscious bias and ensure fairness. Our recruitment process features structured interviews and objective, skills-based assessments. Job advertisements are disseminated through diverse channels, including platforms that cater to underrepresented groups, to attract a broad pool of candidates. We also emphasize the importance of professional development, providing all team members with access to training programs and resources that enhance their skills and career trajectories. This commitment extends to ensuring that our workplace is fully accessible, offering necessary accommodations such as sign language interpreters, captioning services, and adaptive technologies.

Promoting an Inclusive Workplace Culture

To foster an inclusive and welcoming work environment, we engage in several key activities:

Ongoing Education on Diversity and Inclusion: We conduct regular training sessions on topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). These are designed to educate our team on the varied experiences of underrepresented groups and to cultivate an atmosphere of empathy and respect.

Open Feedback Mechanisms: Our feedback channels, including surveys and an open-door policy with leadership, ensure that all team members can voice their concerns and suggestions regarding workplace inclusivity. These mechanisms are crucial for identifying areas for improvement and fostering a culture of transparency and trust.

Goals for Enhancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Our objectives for advancing DEI are ambitious and action-oriented:

Increasing Representation: We aim to enhance the diversity of our team, particularly at the senior leadership level. Our goal is to ensure that underrepresented groups are not only present but thriving and in positions of influence within our organization.

Community Engagement: We actively participate in community outreach programs and forge partnerships with organizations dedicated to promoting diversity in technology. These collaborations help us to stay connected to the communities we serve and to continually adapt our practices to better meet their needs.

By embedding these principles into our operational framework, Datalead Africa enrich our team's capabilities and also amplifies our impact, creating a work environment where everyone, regardless of their background, is equipped to contribute meaningfully to our mission of empowering the Deaf community

DeafLearn operates under a social enterprise model that strategically balances generating sustainable revenue with achieving significant social impact, specifically targeting the educational and professional advancement of the Deaf community. Our business model is designed to provide high-value, accessible educational services to Deaf individuals while also engaging institutions and companies as key customers to create a broader ecosystem of support and opportunity.

Key Beneficiaries and Customers

Beneficiaries:

Deaf Learners: Individuals from the Deaf community who are seeking to gain or improve their technology skills to enhance their employability and career prospects in the tech industry.

Early to Midlevel professionals: seeking to upskill and grow in their career or seeking to transition into tech.

Customers:

Educational Institutions: Schools and universities that offer programs for Deaf students and can incorporate our courses into their curriculum.

Professionals /individuals seeking to upskill or improve their career prospects

Corporations: Technology companies and other businesses looking to diversify their workforce and improve their accessibility practices, can benefit from our tailored training and recruitment services.

Products and Services

1. Educational Courses: We provide a suite of courses covering various tech-related subjects such as programming, data analysis, and software development. These courses are delivered in American Sign Language (ASL) and other sign languages as we expand, ensuring that content is accessible and engaging for Deaf students.

2. Career Pathing Services: Beyond technical skills, we offer services aimed at facilitating career readiness, including mentorship programs, interview preparation, and networking opportunities with potential employers who are committed to diversity and inclusion.

3. Corporate Training and Consultancy: We work with companies to improve their accessibility and inclusivity practices, providing training for their teams on Deaf culture and communication, as well as consultancy on creating accessible work environments.

Value Proposition

For Deaf Learners:

We support tech education that is truly accessible, leveraging their native language—sign language—which enhances learning effectiveness and engagement.

Offers career support services that help bridge the gap between education and employment in the tech industry.

For Educational Institutions:

We support academic institutions in their educational offerings for Deaf students, helping them attract a broader student base and improve educational outcomes.

For Corporations:

We support our clients in corporate organizations to meet their diversity and inclusion goals, improve team communication, and open up their recruitment practices to include skilled Deaf professionals.

Distribution and Delivery

Our services are delivered both in-person and online, allowing global accessibility and scalability. The online model is supported by robust technology platforms that ensure high-quality video streaming and interactive content suited for Deaf learners.

Datalead Africa’s strategy for achieving financial sustainability for the DeafLearn portal involves a multi-faceted approach that leverages revenue generation, strategic partnerships, and fundraising efforts. This blend of income streams is designed to ensure long-term viability while supporting our mission to provide high-quality educational and professional development opportunities to the Deaf community. Here is an outline of our financial sustainability plan:

Revenue Generation

1. Institutional Partnerships:

We are currently exploring partnerships with Arden university in the UK to incorporate our curriculum and products.

2- Government: We are engaging with government agencies and corporations focused on vocational and educational development for people with disabilities to open opportunities for long-term funding and collaboration.

3. Consultancy and Training Services:

Corporate Consultancy: Providing consultancy services to organizations looking to improve workplace accessibility and inclusivity for Deaf employees.

Training Workshops: Conducting workshops on Deaf culture, accessibility, and communication for various organizations, enhancing their ability to effectively integrate Deaf employees into their workforce.

Fundraising and Grants

4. Grants and Donations:

Nonprofit Grants:  We are continuously working to secure grants from foundations and bodies that support educational and employment equity initiatives.

Donations: Implementing fundraising campaigns targeting individuals and corporations passionate about supporting diversity and inclusion in tech.

Evidence of Success

Market Validation and Early Achievements:

Course Enrollment and Renewal Rates: Since launch, we've seen a steady increase in course enrollments each quarter, with a high rate of course completion and renewal, indicating strong user satisfaction and demand.

Grant Awards: We have successfully secured $10,000 grants from MacArthur Foundation's X-grants to pilot the initiative. demonstrating recognition and support from the philanthropic community.

Future Steps

To further ensure financial sustainability, Deaf Learn plans to:

Expand Corporate Partnerships: Increase efforts to secure more corporate clients for both educational and consultancy services.

Enhance Course Offerings: Continually update and expand our course content to keep it relevant and appealing, attracting more users.

Scale Internationally: Extend our reach to international markets, particularly in countries with growing tech sectors and significant Deaf populations.

By diversifying our revenue streams and continuously proving the effectiveness of our offerings, Deaf Learn is strategically positioning itself to be financially sustainable while making a significant impact on the lives of Deaf individuals globally.