Very positive feedback for Accessify in practical test by Pro Audito

Pro Audito Switzerland is the leading point of contact for people with hearing loss in Switzerland. The organization is committed to people with hearing impairments, offers advice, information, and advocacy, and campaigns for greater accessibility.

As part of a practical test, Pro Audito tested Accessify at the National Demonstration for the Equality of People with Disabilities on Helvetiaplatz in Zurich. Almost 2,000 people participated in the demonstration. Accessify was used on-site to transmit the audio signal from the stage directly to smartphones and thus also to hearing aids, cochlear implants, or headphones. In addition, live subtitles and real-time translations were offered.

The full article from Pro Audito is available here: Tested for you: Accessify (Link: https://pro-audito.ch/news/fuer-sie-getestet-accessify/) Note: The detailed test report from Pro Audito is currently only available in German.

We are very pleased with the feedback. Pro Audito describes the access as simple and user-friendly: scan QR code, open web app, get started. Nothing needs to be installed or activated. The easy-to-read texts and simple operation were also positively highlighted.

The assessment of sound quality is particularly valuable to us. Pro Audito writes that the sound from the stage was transmitted in high quality directly from the smartphone to the CI, hearing aid, or headphones, and that the audio streaming greatly helps people with hearing loss to better understand speakers on stage.

The live subtitles and the translation were also positively evaluated. Pro Audito emphasizes that the live subtitles were mostly correct and appeared with little delay. The ability to change the spoken language and subtitle language, thus receiving an instant real-time translation, was described in the test as "Brilliant!".

At the same time, the test also shows where improvements can be made. Pro Audito names latency as a factor to be optimized and points out that a smartphone, a good internet connection, and compatible hearing aids or headphones are required for use. It should be mentioned that we had to provide the service via hotspot at this live event. Event Wi-Fi or LAN access can further significantly reduce latency. At the same time, it shows how uncomplicated and flexible Accessify can be deployed.

Accessify is deliberately designed to be modular. Depending on the event, various services can be combined: live audio, transcription, translation, audio description, sign language, or special interest channels. Our Universal Design approach is important here. Services such as translation or special interest channels create added value for all visitors while simultaneously meeting the specific needs of people with hearing or visual impairments. This also creates greater incentives for organizers to use and invest in such solutions. Accessibility is thus not seen as an isolated additional service, but as a scalable quality feature of modern live events.

We are continuously investing in our product, always focusing on the needs of people with hearing and visual impairments. Feedback from the community is central to this. Anyone who wants to contribute their own ideas, suggestions for improvement, or feature requests can do so directly via our community page: https://accessify.live/de/about

Many thanks to Pro Audito Switzerland and all involved for the extensive test, the very positive feedback, and the valuable practical insights.

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