See What Deaf Students Developed to Pave Way for Tech Innovation in Silence
In an apartment in Jos, Plateau State, a unique scene unfolds: students, all deaf, communicate through sign language as they delve into the world of coding. Guided by Wuni Bitrus, the driving force behind the Deaf Technology Foundation (DTF), these young minds have mastered the art of silent coding.
At a cluttered table, students with intense focus and animated hands brainstorm and code using Arduino, working on their latest invention—a “smart” fingerprint door. This bustling activity is a regular sight at DTF, a non-profit organization founded in 2017 with the mission of bridging the digital divide for deaf Nigerians. DTF empowers deaf students by providing them with skills in robotics, computer programming, and career guidance, striving to create a future where deafness is not an obstacle.
Bitrus was inspired to start DTF after witnessing the struggles faced by the deaf community during his national youth service. Motivated by the experiences of a deaf student, he co-founded DTF, securing funding from various sources, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), to support and uplift deaf individuals.
The foundation has been a beacon of hope for women like Mercy Samson Grimah, also known as “Mama Robotics,” an aspiring computer scientist who transformed from facing isolation and prejudice to becoming a tech inspiration. Similarly, Mercy Sale, once deemed unfit to study computer science due to her deafness, is now pursuing web development at DTF. Another student, Joy Yusuf, who was denied admission to study medicine because of her disability, is now on the path to becoming a web developer.
Despite its successes, DTF faces significant funding challenges. With only two paid instructors and student volunteers, the foundation struggles to keep up with the increasing number of students. DTF operates three clubs in Jos and has expanded to Zamfara and Abuja.
DTF remains hopeful, aiming to harness Nigeria’s tech boom, especially in robotics, by partnering with local companies on projects like self-driving car technology and automated wheelchairs to ensure the foundation’s growth and sustainability.
Lengdung Tungchamma, a collaborator at DTF, captures the essence of their mission: “Deaf Tech doesn’t see disability as a dead end; it gives hope.”
