Scope:
Eight Tech Consults together with the Uganda National Association of the Deaf were contracted by the Uganda Communications Commission to develop innovative ICT solutions that empower the deaf community and foster social inclusion. This initiative will digitize the Uganda Sign Language to enhance accessibility, inclusivity and communication for deaf individuals. Through collaborative efforts, the project will contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education) and 10 (Reduced Inequalities) while aligning with UCC’s mandate to promote ICT for development.
OVERALL OBJECTIVE
- To advance inclusive communication and the socio-economic empowerment of Deaf individuals in Uganda by enhancing accessibility and digital literacy, accelerating the adoption of Uganda Sign Language (UGSL) through innovative digital solutions and targeted capacity-building interventions
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
- Conduct a national baseline study to assess UGSL access and use, digital literacy levels, availability and affordability of assistive technologies, and priority support needs within the deaf community
- To propose a formal national standard for Uganda Sign Language (UGSL), including a standardised manual alphabet and reference descriptions of UGSL phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics
- Design and develop a UGSL mobile and web application built on the existing UGSL corpus with an interactive dictionary, video tutorials, structured learning modules and mobile-first tools to promote learning and use nationwide.
- Establish a centralized, publicly accessible UGSL digital repository to serve as the national learning and reference hub.
- Deploy context appropriate assistive technologies (e.g captioning tools, UGSL-enabled apps, compatible devices) and integrate digital sign-language tools directly into public service delivery systems within education, health and justice.
- Build individual and institutional capacity to use UGSL in accessing, delivering, and managing services, including Training-of-Trainers(ToT) programmes
- Promote uptake of the national PWD Observatory among Deaf-led organizations(including UNAD members) and strengthen data use for planning and accountability.
Output
- A comprehensive baseline report developed to inform implementation and measure progress
- Awareness raised among over 20,000 Deaf persons and service providers about the project and its intended impact
- A fully operational Uganda Sign Language (UGSL) digital platform available on both mobile and web
- A proposed formal national standard for Uganda Sign Language(UGSL)
- Launch a centralised, publicly accessible digital repository for Uganda Sign Language(UGSL) serving as the national learning and reference hub
- At least 500 Deaf individuals trained in essential digital literacy skills
- Capacity strengthened for 10 Deaf led organizations, UNAD, in digital transformation management, alongside provision of assistive digital services
- A minimum of 50 social service providers trained in basic Uganda Sign Language (UGSL) to enhance service delivery to the Deaf community