Building Sign Language into the Digital Future

ConnectHear is a social enterprise tackling the critical shortage of professional sign language interpreters across the Global South, a barrier that limits access to essential services and opportunities for millions of Deaf people. Founded in Karachi, Pakistan, in 2017 by Azima Dhanjee and Arhum Ishtiaq, ConnectHear combines lived experience, sign language expertise and technology to create scalable communication solutions. Through innovations such as SILA, its AI-enabled sign language system, ConnectHear is helping Deaf communities access information, services, and everyday digital interactions directly in sign language.