A fast growing, cross-country provider of video remote services for deaf and hard-of-hearing persons

Solution
Deafcom
Organization
Deafcom
Country of Implementation
Czech Republic
Region
Europe
Subregion
Central and Eastern Europe
Start Year
2020
First published
03.12.2024

Deafcom in the Czech Republic develops VRS/VRI software for deaf users, supporting phone calls and communication. By 2024, it operated in 9 European countries, facilitating 30,000 interpretations.

A woman with a headset uses sign language in a customer service environment, as shown by Czech subtitles. Her professional attire and concentration emphasize the inclusivity of workplaces that accommodate sign language users, reinforcing equal opportunities in communication-focused roles.
Deafcom provides a range of communication services to deaf and hard of hearing people.

Solution details

People

Michal Obložinský Website
“Everyone deserves access to equal communication, and we are privileged to play even a small role in enabling it. ” Michal Obložinský, CEO, Deafcom CZ s.r.o.

Deafcom CZ s.r.o. is a Prague-based company specializing in the development of software for video remote service (VRS) and video remote interpretation (VRI). The company provides deaf and hard of hearing individuals with the ability to make and receive phone calls, and to interact with both public and private institutions. Deafcom collaborates with VRS and VRI providers across multiple European countries, and offers features such as back-calling, instant access, and emergency communication. As of 2024, Deafcom’s services were employed in nine European countries, facilitating some 30,000 interpretations.

Problems Targeted

Deaf or hard of hearing individuals face barriers accessing information and services in their primary language, leading to social exclusion and limited societal integration.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

Deafcom CZ s.r.o., located in Prague, specializes in developing software for video remote service (VRS) and video remote interpretation (VRI), providing immediate communication access for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The service is designed to facilitate these individuals in making and receiving phone calls, communicating during emergencies, and interacting with both public and private institutions. For specific tasks, Deafcom collaborates with Signcoders, a Hungarian company that employs deaf IT professionals to develop solutions. Noteworthy Deafcom features include a back-calling service available in certain countries, connections to emergency lines in all countries, and immediate access to interpreters. The company works closely with deaf communities, VRS and VRI providers, and local interpreter centres across EU countries to ensure high-quality interpreting services that acknowledge regional variations in sign language. Additionally, Deafcom develops solutions for public and private institutions that seamlessly integrate into existing processes.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

Deafcom has successfully secured an investment of €250,000 from two Czech venture capital funds to support the initial development of its IT solutions. The company operates on a Software as a Service (SaaS) model, generating recurring revenue through partnerships with VRS and VRI providers. Deafcom plans to expand its services from 9 to 15 countries and significantly increase the number of facilitated interpretation calls to hundreds of thousands. The company estimates that approximately 65,000 interpretation sessions will utilize its services by 2025. (Zero Project Awardee 2025)

Media

Pictures

A woman with a headset uses sign language in a customer service environment, as shown by Czech subtitles. Her professional attire and concentration emphasize the inclusivity of workplaces that accommodate sign language users, reinforcing equal opportunities in communication-focused roles. Deafcom provides a range of communication services to deaf and hard of hearing people.
A woman with a headset uses sign language in a customer service environment, as shown by Czech subtitles. Her professional attire and concentration emphasize the inclusivity of workplaces that accommodate sign language users, reinforcing equal opportunities in communication-focused roles. Deafcom provides a range of communication services to deaf and hard of hearing people.

Related information

Connections
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Solutions with the same:

Country of Implementation

Czech Republic

Region of Implementation

Europe