Pedius
Accessible and Inclusive Communication
Pedius is an app designed to break down communication barriers and make phone calls accessible to everyone, especially people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Using speech synthesis and recognition technology, Pedius converts text messages into voice and transcribes the responses from the interlocutor into readable text in real time. This allows users to make phone calls independently, 24/7, without intermediaries, preserving their privacy and communicating naturally. Pedius is available in seven languages and operates in 14 countries (Italy, United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Spain, Austria, Germany, Canada, United States, Brazil, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, and Peru), with nearly 60,000 users to date.
Their mission
The idea behind Pedius stems from the experience of those who have witnessed firsthand the challenges that deaf people face when communicating over the phone. Their goal is simple yet ambitious: to make communication truly accessible for everyone.
What they do
- Barrier-free phone calls: With Pedius, users can call landlines and mobile numbers independently.
- Accessible call centers: Pedius has made corporate call centers accessible by connecting users directly with an operator.
- Workplace inclusion: Pedius collaborates with companies to create more inclusive work environments by offering accessible communication tools for deaf employees.
- Accessible education: Pedius has launched a new service, Pedius Education, ensuring that students who are deaf or have learning disabilities (DSA) have equal access to lessons, both in-person and remote, through real-time transcription of the teacher’s speech. With new AI technologies, it also generates summaries, concept maps, automatic text highlights, and other study support tools.
Their impact
Pedius has contributed to the social, workplace, and educational inclusion of thousands of people. Their technology simplifies interactions, breaking down communication barriers.
Website: https://www.pedius.org/it/home/
Project Leader: Lorenzo Di Ciaccio
Main Beneficiaries: People who are deaf or hard of hearing
Areas: Accessibility and Inclusion
Country: Italy
Status: Active
