Problem addressed

Despite advances in technology and inclusion, millions of people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind still face major barriers to fully accessing audiovisual content, cultural events, and public communication. Current solutions are often: 

Inadequate: Standard subtitles or automated tools fail to meet the needs of people with cognitive disabilities, those who use sign language as their primary language, or deafblind individuals. 

Inaccessible: Services like sign language interpretation are limited, expensive, and not scalable. 

Fragmented: There's no unified platform connecting users, interpreters, and accessible tools, especially tailored for diverse communication needs. 

This results in systemic exclusion from cultural, educational, and social experiences—especially for people with multiple or intersectional disabilities (e.g., deafblindness, autism, or low literacy). 

Secret Sound addresses this gap by creating inclusive, scalable and tech-assisted solutions designed with and for the communities they serve

Innovative solution

Secret Sound is pioneering a new approach to accessibility by integrating artificial intelligence, no-code tools, and inclusive design principles to create a scalable, multi-layered solution for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind. What makes this solution innovative: Smart and Adaptive Subtitling System
Secret Sound is developing its own AI-enhanced subtitling technology using tools like Whisper, integrated into no-code platforms. Unlike standard subtitles, this system: Uses pictograms and visual aids for people with communication difficulties or cognitive disabilities.
Allows simplified, human-edited versions of automatic transcripts. Outputs content in formats readable via braille displays or convertible to vibration/haptic signals, enabling access for deafblind users. Interpreter Matchmaking Platform
A no-code-built platform will connect sign language interpreters with organizations, cultural institutions, and individuals. It offers: Filtering by specialization (education, arts, healthcare), availability, and language.
A fast, user-friendly request process for clients. A professional visibility hub for interpreters, many of whom are currently underbooked due to lack of visibility or coordination. Accessibility-First Tech Stack (Without Programming)
All tools are built using no-code technology, making them easy to update, maintain, and replicate. This ensures: Affordability for small organizations and public institutions.
Scalability without needing a large technical team.
Sustainability, as it empowers the team to maintain and grow the platform independently. By combining human expertise with intelligent automation, Secret Sound is not only reducing cost and friction—it’s setting a new standard for universal, intersectional accessibility in the audiovisual sector.

Key results and benefits

The project will result in the creation of two core tools: a smart subtitling system and a no-code interpreter matchmaking platform. The subtitling system will combine AI-based transcription with visual supports like pictograms and options for simplified text, including outputs adapted for deafblind users (e.g. braille or haptic formats). The interpreter platform will connect professionals with organizations based on specialization and availability, improving efficiency and visibility. 

Key results include: 

A functional MVP of the AI-enhanced subtitling system tested in real environments. 

A working interpreter platform with the first 50 matches and 100 professionals onboarded. 

Implementation of accessibility solutions for deafblind individuals. 

Automation of internal workflows using no-code tools, reducing development costs by over 50%. 

These innovations will allow Secret Sound to scale, reduce costs, and reach a wider and more diverse audience. The platform will be replicable, affordable, and sustainable, enabling broader access to audiovisual and cultural content for underserved communities.

Potential for mainstreaming

Secret Sound’s solution has high potential for mainstreaming due to its modular design, low implementation cost, and adaptability to different contexts. By using no-code technology and AI, the tools developed can be easily replicated and scaled across various sectors, including education, entertainment, public administration, and healthcare. 

The subtitling system and interpreter platform address universal needs in accessibility, making them attractive not only for niche audiences but for any organization aiming to comply with inclusion regulations or improve user experience. As more institutions seek to meet accessibility standards, the demand for efficient, affordable, and intelligent tools will grow. 

Moreover, the model is language-agnostic and can be localized for use in different countries. Its focus on underserved groups such as the deafblind community fills a gap not currently addressed by mainstream providers, positioning Secret Sound as a reference in inclusive innovation. 

With strategic partnerships and visibility through awards and academic research, this solution is ready to move from pilot phase to large-scale adoption