Empowering accessibility through AI-driven audio description
The Origin of Our Mission
MAIIA was born from a simple yet profound act of love. When our founder's grandmother, Maiia—a woman who found joy in the vibrant storytelling of her favorite films—began losing her vision, something became painfully clear: the world of media was not built for everyone. As a Ukrainian speaker, she faced a double barrier: audio descriptions were nonexistent in her native language.
What started as personal dedication, manually creating over 15 Ukrainian audio tracks to help Maiia reconnect with beloved films—evolved into a revelation. These handmade tapes didn't just reignite her joy; they uncovered a universal truth: stories are a lifeline, and access to them should never depend on language or ability.
The Silent Gap in Global Media
Over 2.2 billion people worldwide live with vision impairments, yet 80-95% of non-English media lacks audio descriptions.
Entire communities are denied the chance to share in films, educational content, and live events that shape our collective human experience.
Existing solutions, that are slow and costly, have struggled to address this gap at scale. We knew technology could do better—if designed with both precision and empathy.
Innovation Rooted in Human Insight
For over a year, we collaborated with linguists, accessibility advocates, and low-vision users across 3 countries to reengineer audio description. Our AI-driven platform combines:
- •Linguistic Intelligence: Nuanced understanding of dialects and cultural context, from Ukrainian idioms to colloquial Spanish
- •Narrative Sensitivity: Detecting thematic undertones and emotional arcs to create descriptions that enhance, not just explain
- •Scalable Accessibility: Reducing production costs by 90% while supporting 30+ languages
Every AI-generated script is refined by native-speaking narrators who ensure authenticity. Because true accessibility honors both clarity and cultural resonance.
Our Commitment: Beyond the Expected
While mainstream media often leads accessibility conversations, MAIIA also focuses on the stories others overlook:
- •Cultural Heritage: Breathing new life into archival films and regional cinema
- •Education: Making STEM tutorials, documentaries, and lectures universally accessible
- •Live Experiences: Democratizing access to theater, sports, and graduations in real time
Join Us in Making Media Accessible
Whether you're a content creator, a business, or an individual passionate about accessibility, there's a place for you in our mission.
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