AI meets accessibility: How a Peruvian startup is making Latin American businesses inclusive
Customer service is something people often complain about, but have you ever considered the challenges faced by people with disabilities or speakers of indigenous languages when seeking help in public facilities?
A Peruvian company is working to break down these barriers through innovative technology. Jorge Rojas Barnett, an engineer, entrepreneur, and advocate for accessible innovation, is the founder of Yapaykuy—a certification company on a mission to transform businesses into inclusive spaces. For him, ensuring fair and respectful customer service for everyone is a crucial step toward combating discrimination at its core.
The urgent need for inclusivity
In Peru, an estimated three and a half million people have some form of disability, accounting for almost 10% of the population. Quechua speakers and speakers of other indigenous languages represent another three million. For Jorge Rojas Barnett, the need for change is urgent.
“My grandmother is a Quechua speaker, but she also had a hearing impairment. When we went to malls or stores, I saw how people with these impairments or who speak differently are treated. It always made me wonder how many more people go through the same,” recalls the entrepreneur, whose personal experiences inspired him to create a solution.
“Artificial intelligence, applications, and technology in general now allow us to serve people with disabilities with dignity and quality,” he says. “Technology breaks those barriers.”
After years of research and development, Yapaykuy was born. At the heart of the app’s approach is its innovative software, which uses artificial intelligence to translate indigenous languages and assist people with disabilities in real-time. It can be used by customer service staff in restaurants, pharmacies, banks, malls, and other public establishments.
Bridging the communication gap
For speakers of indigenous languages, the app instantly translates spoken words.“It uses artificial intelligence and a database of words and sentences in native languages, building the translation as the person speaks,” explains Jorge Rojas Barnett. “In other words, it translates voice to text and text to voice.”
For more complex needs, such as understanding legal documents before signing them, Yapaykuy offers a video call feature connecting users with certified interpreters.
For people with hearing or verbal impairments, the startup provides an application that uses a smartphone’s camera to interpret sign language gestures in real-time, converting them into text or speech.“Our algorithm automatically recognises what the person is saying,” the company’s founder explains.
For those not fluent in sign language or text, pictograms offer an easy way to communicate. Users can point to images that represent their needs. For those who can read and write, Yapaykuy also offers speech-to-text translation.
For people with visual impairments, the company provides support through the Braille system—a tactile writing method.
Individuals with a Peruvian disability certificate can access free applications.“For example, people with disabilities can identify objects around them or check if there’s a door, a wall, or an obstacle while walking,” the entrepreneur adds.
More than just an app
Companies in Peru are now required to meet legal standards for accessibility, as the country has made significant progress in this area through laws.
Yapaykuy’s work extends beyond its app.“Transforming a company into an inclusive one is possible—but not just with an application,” explains Jorge Rojas Barnett.
The startup offers a certification programme designed to turn businesses into inclusive spaces. The programme involves a 10-step process that includes audits, training, diagnostics, and evaluations. The founder emphasises that Yapaykuy’s mission is to drive a cultural shift in how companies approach inclusivity. Certified businesses are listed, making it easier for clients to identify them.
Expanding beyond borders
While the company’s roots are firmly planted in Peru, its dream is global.“We aim to become an international standard, expanding this initiative to different countries, especially in Latin America,” says the entrepreneur.
Major international brands in Peru, including Starbucks, KFC, and McDonald’s, are already partnering with Yapaykuy. The company has also crossed borders, collaborating with telecommunications giant AT&T in Mexico.
A universal sign
To conclude the interview, Jorge Rojas Barnett wanted to share a message with GSW.
“People with hearing and speech impairments face a global issue,” he explains. “In every country, sign language is different.”
The company’s founder highlights that there is only one universal sign: forming the letters I, L, and Y with your fingers, like this:
“It means: 'I love you, I appreciate you, I consider you, I welcome you,' depending on the context,” he says.
“By giving them this sign, you show that you understand something about their community. I assure you, it will make their day.”
This sign is also the logo of Yapaykuy.
