HEARMEOUT: A WEB-BASED COMMUNICATION FOR DEAF AND MUTE PEOPLE

Abstract

"HearMeOut" is an innovative communication system designed to empower deaf and mute individuals in the Philippines, offering a unique approach to accessibility. The system integrates advanced features, including text-to-speech conversion, which enables users to easily communicate by typing messages that are converted into speech. Custom-tailored to meet the specific needs of the target population, "HearMeOut" aims to bridge the communication gap, enhancing the independence and social inclusion of deaf and mute individuals in various settings. This groundbreaking solution opens up new possibilities for more seamless interactions and greater accessibility. The research methodology utilized a systematic approach to data gathering, focusing on survey questionnaires to inform the iterative design and development of the "HearMeOut" system. The surveys were administered to the target population—deaf and mute individuals in the Philippines—gathering valuable feedback on their communication needs, preferences, and challenges. This feedback was used to refine and improve the system's features, ensuring that it effectively addressed the unique needs of users. The iterative process allowed for continuous improvements, ensuring that the final product was both user-friendly and accessible. Through Google Form online surveys conducted at healthcare facilities, feedback was collected from the deaf and mute community to ensure the effectiveness and relevance of the "HearMeOut" system. The surveys were designed to capture the specific needs, challenges, and preferences of the target users, allowing the research team to assess the system's functionality and user experience. By gathering direct input from the community, the researchers were able to make data-driven adjustments and improvements, ensuring that the system met the real-world needs of deaf and mute individuals in the Philippines. A positive response from the survey indicated that the "HearMeOut" system is easy to use and effectively enhances communication accessibility for deaf and mute individuals. Users reported that the system facilitated smoother interactions, especially in healthcare settings. However, it was also noted that the system's effectiveness depends on stable internet connectivity and currently supports only English language input. These findings underline the system's potential to improve healthcare communications, while also highlighting areas for improvement, such as expanding language support and enhancing offline functionality.