Matamata
Tech for the Visually Impaired
Matamata is a social enterprise founded in Malaysia to help the Blind and Visually Impaired gain independence and inclusivity on the web.
WHAT WE DO
#1 Find and create remote work for the BVI
We help create a side income for BVIs by connecting them to freelancing opportunities on the web. These opportunities empower them to use their computer (ICT) skills to be equal contributors to our country’s rising digital economy.
Presently, we focus on building up the ICT skills of BVIs to provide video (e.g., YouTube) and audio transcription and translation services.
Interested in learning more about freelancing opportunities? Want to hire a freelancer from the BVI community? Follow the link below:
#2 Build accessible tech
We believe that Web accessibility is the key to ensuring equal access and equal opportunities for the Blind and Visually Impaired (BVI).
Our current project: Sightgigs.com | Sightgigs is an accessible freelancing platform that connects aspiring BVI freelancers to remote opportunities online.
Past project: Matamata App | The Matamata App is an AI-driven image reader app with multiple features to assist the BVIs and connect them to visually impaired and sighted users.
#3 Advocate for the rights of the BVI in the country
We were founded on a simple belief:
We believe that access to information and communications technologies (ICT)—including the web—is a basic human right.
We support other organizations and groups in the country in fighting for the rights of the BVI community and Persons with Disabilities (PWD) through education and advocacy.
HOW WE BEGAN
Microsoft APAC AI for Accessibility Hackathon (2020)
Matamata was initially conceived at the Microsoft AI for Accessibility Hackathon as an AI-driven image reader app.
The hackathon harnesses the power of Artificial Intelligence to amplify human capability, with and for the more than 1 billion people around the world with a disability.
The Problem // To ideate and hack on real-life problem statements provided by non-profit organizations, or to address an accessibility challenge of our own.
The Hack // The Matamata App
A native app that uses Microsoft Azure Cognitive Services to analyze images regardless of platform. The app also provides an education and collaboration platform between sighted people and the visually impaired community.
