Eton Institute Supports Emerging Technology for Sign Language
 

Eton Institute partners with KinTrans as part of their commitment to inclusive learning and effective communication to make Dubai a disabled friendly city. Dubai, 17th October 2016 – According to the World Health Organization (2015), approximately 360 million people have disabling hearing loss in the world, i.e. more than 5% of the total world population. The World Federation of the Deaf (2015) states that almost 70 million Deaf people use sign language as their first language. Currently, it is the 4^th most used language in the United States. In addition, various policies are put into action to create a more welcoming environment for the Hard of Hearing.

It is estimated that there are about 8 million deaf people in the Middle East (Access Abilities Expo, 2014). The initiative ‘My Community…. A City for Everyone’ aims to transform the city of Dubai into a disabled friendly city by 2020; from wheelchair access in buildings to government staff trained in sign language.In support of this initiative, Eton Institute is partnering with KinTrans to promote the importance of learning sign language to companies across the region. The KinTrans software is created to translate sign language regardless of place or time and is an effective two-way communication tool between Deaf and non-Deaf people. KinTrans converts sign language into voice and voice into.

Mark Abi-Aad, Corporate Manager at Eton Institute commented, “We have partnered with KinTrans to introduce the latest technology that supports our accredited American Sign Language program through cutting edge technology. KinTrans is an exceptionally unique way for effective communication with Deaf people and our partnership with them will positively add to Dubai’s initiative, ‘My Community … A City for Everyone’.”

A live demonstration of the KinTrans software is currently available at the Gitex Technology Week, from the 16^{th –} 20^th October between 11:00am – 7:00pm, at the Microsoft Pavilion in World Trade Center (Dubai). Visitors have the chance to experience how KinTrans can be used in learning ASL and in facilitating successful communication between Deaf/Hard of Hearing and hearing clients and employees.

About Eton Institute:Eton Institute operates with the understanding that languages, communication, and culture are fundamental to the human experience and necessary for individual and organization’s future success. Offering solutions in over 160 Languages since 2006, the Institute has helped thousands of companies resolve international bottlenecks through customized communication and culture solutions with operations in UAE, UK, USA, Hong Kong and India.Eton Institute has developed unique, proven engagement methodologies and techniques, and is proud to be associated with top international organizations and to successfully connect leading global business to opportunity.

Eton Institute is an Approved Center for the delivery of Cambridge Exams. Additionally all language courses offered by Eton Institute are EAQUALS-accredited and meet Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) standards set by Council of Europe.

For additional information please contact:
Manon Hazell
Marketing Manager
Eton Institute
Ph: +971 4 4386 809
manon.hazell@etoninstitute.com