Most sign language AI companies are hearing-led. What does it actually look like to be Deaf-led — not just "Deaf-consulted" — when it comes to decision-making power, pay, equity, and who owns the upside?
A lot of AI-for-Deaf companies have a Deaf advisor slide, a focus group photo, or a community listening session. Few have Deaf founders, Deaf board members, Deaf executives on payroll, or equity pathways for the Deaf signers whose data and language built the product. The community has been invited into the room as users and consultants — rarely as stakeholders. What changes when Deaf people have actual ownership and authority, not just a seat at the table?
Prompts to get you thinking
- What's the difference between "Deaf-consulted," "Deaf-led," and "Deaf-accountable" — and which one actually matters?
- Should Deaf signers whose data trains a model get equity, revenue share, or a license fee — and from whom?
- Name one company doing this right. What specifically are they doing differently?
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