Migration is, at its core, a linguistic act. 

You leave one world of words and enter another. You spend years-sometimes decades rebuilding yourself in a new language. Your accent softens. Your vocabulary expands. You start dreaming in English.

Then dementia reverses the entire journey.

For thousands of migrants across Australia, dementia doesn’t just erode memory. It erodes the language they rebuilt their lives around.

English, which is learned, practised, mastered over decades, fades. What remains is the mother tongue. The language of childhood. The one thing their Australian-born children may barely understand.

This is the double exile: first from a homeland, then from the language that replaced it.

## **The Numbers Behind The Silence**

![Photo by Mario Heller on Unsplash](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1600/0*G_qaoZKWMiJGXpe8 "Photo by Mario Heller on Unsplash")

Australia ranks among the most linguistically diverse countries on earth. Over [28 percent](https://theconversation.com/for-migrants-dementia-can-mean-losing-a-language-and-a-whole-world-263185) of Australians living with dementia come from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. By 2023, an estimated 411,100 people were living with the condition nationally.

Run the numbers: that’s over 115,000 people potentially navigating dementia in a language their healthcare providers don’t speak.

Yet most dementia care infrastructure assumes English: Assessment tools. Care plans. Daily interactions. The entire system rests on a linguistic foundation that crumbles for a significant portion of the people it serves.

## **What The Brain Does and Undoes**

![Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1600/0*PSHQITIR2ZIuoqHW "Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash")

Neuroscience explains the pattern clearly. Dementia erodes recently acquired skills first. Language learned in adulthood, no matter how fluen, sits in a more vulnerable cognitive layer than the mother tongue, which is encoded earlier and deeper.

The result is a cruel reversal. A man who spent fifty years as an English-speaking engineer in Perth wakes up speaking only Italian. His wife, also Italian-born, might still understand. His children, raised in English-speaking schools, might not. His doctor almost certainly doesn’t.

Suddenly, the most basic acts of care like explaining pain, understanding medication instructions, expressing fear require translation. And translation requires resources that are perpetually scarce.

## **The Interpreter Gap**

![Photo by Age Cymru on Unsplash](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1600/0*IOqBuJ05X36YBADi "Photo by Age Cymru on Unsplash")

Professional interpreters remain the gold standard for cross-language healthcare. But the reality falls short of the ideal.

Dementia-trained interpreters are rare. Scheduling takes time that acute care situations don’t allow. And interpreters can’t be present for the hundreds of small daily interactions that constitute life with dementia: the morning greeting from a nurse, the confused request at 4 a.m., the attempt to describe a headache to a care aide.

These micro-moments matter. Research shows that language-sensitive dementia care reduces patient distress, improves diagnostic accuracy, and lowers caregiver burnout. Every interaction that falls through the language gap is a missed opportunity for connection and care.

## **How Can We Solve This?**

This is the space where real-time AI conversation tools make the biggest difference. Not replacing interpreters, but covering the vast territory between scheduled appointments.

[VideoTranslatorAI’s](https://videotranslator.ai/) real-time conversation tool interprets live speech across 120+ languages and summarises key points as the conversation unfolds. No downloads, no setup beyond a browser and internet connection.

![Illustration: How VideoTranslatorAI's interpreter works.](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1600/1*b-u1DCrSBeD0Oq-Of2-6Qw.png "Illustration: How VideoTranslatorAI's interpreter works.")

In practice, this means a care worker can conduct a bedside check-in with a patient who now speaks only Cantonese and understand them in real time.

A family member joining a specialist consultation can follow along even when their parent switches to a language they barely know.

After the conversation ends, an AI-generated summary captures what was discussed: symptoms reported, concerns raised, and instructions given.

For overstretched care facilities, this isn’t a luxury. It’s infrastructure.

![](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1600/1*DDP18GFUFXS2f6s_MlFE3g.gif)

## **From Add-on to Foundation**

Australia has bright spots. Dementia Support Australia provides translated materials and arranges interpreter services. 

Victoria’s “language buddies” program pairs isolated individuals with volunteers who share their language. Bilingual cognitive assessments grow more common each year.

But these efforts still treat linguistic diversity as a special accommodation, something bolted onto an English-first system. The shift that’s needed is foundational: designing care systems that _expect_ multilingual patients from the start.

Real-time interpretation and summarisation tools make this practical. When multilingual support is instant and embedded (not booked, scheduled, and budgeted separately), it stops being an exception and starts being the default.

### The Words That Remain

![Photo by Georg Arthur Pflueger on Unsplash](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1600/0*mKB2zWKFn4k5gRJ_ "Photo by Georg Arthur Pflueger on Unsplash")

Here is what makes this story both heartbreaking and strangely beautiful: the language dementia preserved is the most intimate one. The first words a person ever learned. The sounds of parents, siblings, childhood streets.

The loss isn’t that someone reverts to their mother tongue. The loss is that the world they live in now can’t meet them there.

Closing that gap with trained interpreters, culturally informed care, and technology that works in real time isn’t just good policy. It’s basic human decency.

No one should face dementia in a language the people around them can’t understand.

## **Read more:**

*   [What If English is Your Company's Hidden Weakness?](https://videotranslator.ai/blog/what-if-english-is-your-companys-hidden-weakness)
    
*   [We Don't Have an AI Crisis. We Have an Accountability Crisis.](https://videotranslator.ai/blog/we-dont-have-an-ai-crisis-we-have-an-accountability-crisis)
    
*   [Should You Still Learn to Code in 2026?](https://videotranslator.ai/blog/should-you-still-learn-to-code-in-2026)

115.000 Elderly Migrants Lose English to Dementia

Explore how dementia can strip away second-language ability and why aged care teams need better language support for migrant residents.

Dementia and Language Loss in Migrant Aged Care

They Built a Life in English. Dementia Undid It.

A doctor in India told me something I still think about.

**"A single mistranslation can end a life."**

He wasn't being dramatic. He was describing his Tuesday. A patient had come in with chest pain. The family translated. Something got lost. The diagnosis came late. The outcome was preventable.

I left that conversation carrying a weight I couldn't shake. Because I realised this wasn't a problem confined to one hospital in one country. It was everywhere. And in Australia, where I now call home, it was hiding in plain sight.

## Not Just A Number

In the 2021 Census, more than [3.4 percent](https://www.abs.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/2021-census-highlights-increasing-cultural-diversity) of Australians said they don't speak English well or at all. That's not a statistic. That's around 900,000 people who walk into clinics hoping someone will understand them. Hoping their pain translates. Hoping their fear doesn't get lost somewhere between languages.

[Research](https://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/qhc/33/7/456.full.pdf) tells us that when patients and clinicians can't communicate properly, readmission rates climb. Safety gaps widen. But what the research doesn't capture is the look on someone's face when they realise no one understands what they're trying to say.

I've seen that look. It's not frustration. It's resignation. It's the quiet surrender of someone who has stopped expecting to be heard.

That's not a healthcare system working. That's a healthcare system failing the people who need it most.

## Why This Became Personal![martha-dominguez-de-gouveia-nMyM7fxpokE-unsplash (1).webp](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/cbfe65ded5411c0058d0f1bb11c126822da5d69f4a3a48bbdbc13fb907d14d79.webp)

I didn't set out to build translation technology. I set out to solve a problem that kept me awake at night.

After those conversations in India, I started paying attention.

I noticed the elderly migrant in aged care, slipping back into her mother tongue as dementia took hold, while staff smiled kindly but understood nothing.

I noticed the young mother in emergency, clutching her sick child, trying to mime symptoms because words had abandoned her.

I noticed families becoming translators by default. Children explaining diagnoses to grandparents. Siblings interpreting medication instructions with Google Translate and hope. The weight of that responsibility, carried by people already scared and exhausted.

This is what language barriers actually look like. Not statistics. But people.

And I decided I couldn't just notice anymore. I had to do something.

## Building Something That Matters

In 2024, something shifted. Through the Small Business Innovation and Research ([SBIR](https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/small-business-research-innovation-sbir-program/recipients)) program, [VideoTranslatorAI](https://videotranslator.ai) began collaborating with South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD). Their challenge was one we understood deeply: how do you facilitate real communication between clinicians and patients from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds?![VideoTranslatorAI's SBIR 2022 application](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/3bbfc6f7eb7a3c54d28066d8cafb1a5e390649982e50affd18d143ba7fe399ac.webp)

This partnership validated what we'd believed from the start. The solution couldn't be complicated. It couldn't require training manuals or IT overhauls. It had to work the way conversations work. Naturally. In real time. With dignity intact.

So that's what we built.

**For bedside conversations and aged care rounds**, a clinician speaks English while the patient responds in their own language. Both see subtitles in real time. Both can choose voice translation if they prefer to listen. No one reaches for a phrasebook. No one waits on hold for an interpreter who might not be available.

The patient can describe their pain. Express their preferences. Give informed consent. All in the language that feels like home.

**For telehealth and video consultations**, the same principle applies. We're currently developing this capability because we know that healthcare increasingly happens on screens. A specialist in Sydney should be able to consult with a patient in regional Victoria, regardless of what language that patient grew up speaking.

Each participant selects their language. The conversation flows. Understanding happens.

## What We're Really Building

I'll be honest. We're not building technology for technology's sake. We're building bridges.

The features matter, of course. Dual output with subtitles and voice translation. Custom glossaries for medical terminology that can't afford to be misunderstood. Secure systems that protect sensitive conversations.

But what matters more is what these features make possible.

An elderly patient asking for comfort in Mandarin, and being understood.

A parent grasping their child's treatment plan in Arabic, without the terror of missing something critical.

A clinician finally able to ask, "Where does it hurt?" and receive an answer they can trust.

This is what inclusive healthcare looks like. Not as an aspiration, but as a practice.![Italian-English Agent Interpreter.gif](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/722aaaea7b6fd89c483167339c915daba98848cb5ed5bfa4386d81201d88718f.gif)

## The Future We're Working Toward

Australia's diversity isn't slowing down. One in four Australians speaks a language other than English at home. Aged care facilities are filling with migrants who built this country and now deserve to be cared for in languages they understand.

The question isn't whether we need multilingual healthcare. The question is whether we're willing to build it.

I think about that doctor in India often. The weariness in his voice when he described what mistranslation costs. The way he said "preventable" like a word that had lost its meaning.

We can't fix everything. But we can fix this.

Every conversation that happens in someone's own language is a small victory against a system that too often leaves people behind. Every diagnosis that lands clearly, every consent form that makes sense, every moment of genuine understanding between caregiver and patient.

These moments add up. They become trust. They become better outcomes. They become the kind of healthcare that doesn't ask people to leave their identity at the door.

That's what we're building at VideoTranslatorAI. Not just translation. Connection.

Because in medicine, words carry weight. And no one should have to carry that weight alone.

*If you're working in healthcare or aged care and want to explore how real-time translation could support your patients, I'd love to talk.If you have questions, [try our product now](https://agent.videotranslator.ai/chat).*

## Read more
- [VideoTranslatorAI Advances to the Proof of Concept Phase in the NSW SBIR Program!](https://videotranslator.ai/blog/videotranslatorai-advances-to-the-proof-of-concept-phase-in-the-nsw-sbir-program/)
- [AI Images Are Everywhere. We’re All Deepfake Suspects Now.](https://videotranslator.ai/blog/ai-images-are-everywhere-were-all-deepfake-suspects-now/)
- [I'm Done Pivoting. Here's What I'm Building in 2026.](https://videotranslator.ai/blog/im-done-pivoting-heres-what-im-building-in-2026/)

Lost words. Lost lives. Silent crisis in Australian Healthcare

And it leads me to build a technology that listens  

A Doctor Told Me Something Haunting

Imagine living in a new country for decades, mastering its language, and building a life around it. Then, one day, that language begins to slip away. For many migrants in Australia living with dementia, this is a painful reality. Dementia often strips away the second language learned in adulthood, leaving only the mother tongue. Suddenly, the words that once connected them to doctors, neighbors, and even family can disappear.

In Australia, over [28 percent](https://theconversation.com/for-migrants-dementia-can-mean-losing-a-language-and-a-whole-world-263185) of people with dementia come from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. This represents thousands of families navigating a double challenge—managing dementia while overcoming language barriers. By 2023, an estimated 411,100 Australians were living with dementia. For migrants, the condition often creates an added layer of isolation and disconnection.

## How Dementia Changes Language

Dementia affects memory, thinking, and daily functioning, but one of its earliest and most visible impacts is on language. Many people experience repeating phrases, searching for the right words, or shifting topics unexpectedly.

For bilingual or multilingual migrants, the effect is even more complex. Dementia usually erodes recently learned skills first. This means someone who learned English as an adult might lose fluency in it, while still speaking their childhood language, such as Greek, Italian, Arabic, or Vietnamese. The shift can be heartbreaking. Families who once relied on English as their shared language may suddenly feel they no longer recognise the person they love.

## Closing the Gap with Multilingual Tools

This challenge demands innovative solutions. One of the most effective is the **In-Person Meeting Translator** from VideoTranslatorAI. Designed for face-to-face conversations, it is ideal for healthcare consultations, government services, and personal interactions.

The tool provides real-time speech translation without the need for extra apps. All that’s required is a stable internet connection. Supporting more than 120 languages, it empowers families, healthcare workers, and community services to bridge language gaps instantly. For migrants with dementia, this means conversations can continue, even when English fades.

![In-Person Meeting Translator for Aged Care](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/eb67c786b0fc80c4d210d1c401e55e994e6c7d1b8254b9c8960361bb2235d287.webp)

## Real Impact on Families and Caregivers

The benefits of multilingual support go beyond convenience. They can transform the daily lives of both individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Studies show that language-sensitive dementia care reduces stress for families and helps patients engage more fully with their treatment.

Practical examples already exist. Dementia Support Australia arranges interpreters and translates care materials to meet the needs of diverse communities. Cognitive assessments become more accurate when trained interpreters assist. Community programs like Victoria’s “language buddies” also help people reconnect, creating social bonds that ease loneliness.

By embedding tools like VideoTranslatorAI’s In-Person Meeting Translator into these services, support becomes not only accessible but also immediate. Families regain a sense of connection, and patients experience dignity through clear communication.


![How Multilingual Tools Transform Dementia Care](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/3029338bfd77546ac5f6537e67e31d3a14fbcebede05b0f5ea86897cd8e350c2.webp)

## Moving Toward Inclusive Care

Australia has made progress, but much more is needed. Interpreters require specialist training in dementia care. Healthcare workers need stronger cultural awareness. Resources should be designed with diversity in mind, not as an afterthought.

Technology can accelerate this shift. By integrating multilingual AI tools into everyday care, we can ensure that a dementia diagnosis does not also mean the loss of communication. With the right support, families stay connected, and patients remain part of their communities.

At **VideoTranslatorAI**, our mission is clear. We help organisations and families overcome language barriers with multilingual solutions for video calls, in-person interactions, and broadcasts. Every person deserves to be heard, understood, and supported—especially when facing dementia.

Together, we can create a future where no voice is silenced by language loss.

## **Reference**

[https://theconversation.com/for-migrants-dementia-can-mean-losing-a-language-and-a-whole-world-263185](https://theconversation.com/for-migrants-dementia-can-mean-losing-a-language-and-a-whole-world-263185) 

The Silent Struggle: Dementia and Language Loss Among Migrants

Discover how VideoTranslatorAI bridges language gaps for migrants with dementia, ensuring clear communication, dignity, and inclusive care in Australia.

In a hospital ward in Western Sydney, a nurse asks a question. The patient, newly arrived from Syria, hesitates.

He doesn’t speak English. She doesn’t speak Arabic. His pain goes unexpressed. Her care, incomplete. It’s a common story in Australia’s healthcare system.

Language barriers delay diagnoses, increase anxiety, and widen health disparities. In diverse nations like Australia, where over [300 languages](https://www.mq.edu.au/research/research-centres-groups-and-facilities/healthy-people/centres/centre-for-language-sciences-clas/australian-voices/languages-in-australia#:~:text=English%20is%20the%20national%20language,%2C%20Cantonese%2C%20Vietnamese%20and%20Italian.) are spoken, communication gaps in healthcare aren't just inconvenient. They’re dangerous.

Every year, hospitals and clinics rely on professional interpreters to bridge the gap. Yet these services are often limited. Interpreters aren’t always available on demand, especially for less common languages or after hours.

Some patients bring family members to translate, but this introduces new risks—misinterpretation, loss of privacy, or even confusion over medical terms.

In critical situations, every second counts. Misunderstanding can mean the difference between the right treatment and the wrong one. Between clarity and confusion. Between life and loss.

That’s where AI steps in.

## **Meet Our AI Multilingual In-Person Translator**

Imagine two people sitting face to face. Between them is a tablet. One speaks Vietnamese, the other English. As they talk, the AI listens, translates, and speaks—in real time.

Our AI-powered in-person translator is designed to support one-on-one communication across language barriers. It’s **simple, intuitive, and fast.**

Unlike traditional translation apps, which are often designed for casual travel or typed input, this tool is built to handle sensitive, real-world conversations in fast-paced settings.

That makes all the difference in hospitals, aged care facilities, and community clinics.![VideoTranslatorAI Multilingual In-Person Mode](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/5a06a42953ec679af68c79376eafb6bdd6fc04fb80af12177144e41a43a76b61.webp)

## **Real-Time Speech-to-Speech Translation**

The core of the system is real-time, speech-to-speech translation. Both parties speak naturally. The AI listens and instantly translates each sentence into the other’s language. The spoken output is clear and expressive, so tone and intent don’t get lost.

It currently supports over 30 languages and dialects, including Mandarin, Cantonese, Arabic, and Vietnamese, with more on the way. These languages cover a large portion of Australia’s multilingual communities, enabling clearer communication where it matters most.

There’s no need to wait for an interpreter or ask a family member to step in. The AI is available 24/7, on demand, anywhere.![how videotranslatorai multilngual in-person meeting works.webp](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/cf2988d611b1f560f6abcda222373858ff53f56079d53320836bd108f5dcb782.webp)

## **Custom Glossary for Precision**

Healthcare conversations aren’t like everyday chat. They involve terms that can be complex, nuanced, or sensitive—dosages, diagnoses, procedures, and cultural references.

That’s why we built a **custom glossary feature** into our system. Clinicians can input key terms or phrases ahead of time, from medication names to local slang or cultural references. The AI then uses this glossary to deliver consistent and accurate translations.

For example, if a local clinic frequently uses a regional name for a condition or a custom abbreviation, the AI learns that term and always uses the correct equivalent. This saves time and reduces errors caused by mistranslation or ambiguity.

## **Built for In-Person Connection**

Unlike video calls or remote translation apps, our Multilingal In-person Translator is built for in-person use. No lag, no third party listening in. Just two people talking—clearly and confidently.

The interface is clean and distraction-free. Each participant sees subtitles in their own language, showing exactly what the other person said. A clear voice-over accompanies the translation and can be turned on or off as needed, depending on the setting or user preference.

By making communication direct and human, we remove layers of friction that often complicate care.

## **Privacy and Trust**

Privacy is a key concern in healthcare, especially for sensitive discussions. **Our translator runs on secure devices.** Conversations aren’t stored or shared unless the user enables that setting for audit or training purposes.

This makes it ideal for use in hospitals, community health centres, and private clinics where confidentiality is critical.

## **Closing: Why It Matters**

Clear communication saves lives. It builds trust between patient and provider. It ensures that care is equitable, regardless of someone’s language, background, or origin.

In multicultural countries like Australia, this isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a necessity.

Our AI multilingual in-person translator helps healthcare workers deliver accurate, compassionate care—without delay, without confusion, and without needing to wait for external help.

It’s not a replacement for professional interpreters in every situation. But when speed, access, and clarity are needed, it’s an essential tool in your kit.

To explore this with our team, [try our product now](https://agent.videotranslator.ai/chat).ai/contact/) today\!

**Let language no longer be a barrier. Let every patient be heard.**

How AI Translation is Closing Language Gaps in Healthcare

Break language barriers in healthcare. Discover our AI in-person translator with real-time speech translation and custom glossary support. 

When Words Fail: How AI Translation is Closing Language Gaps in Healthcare

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, accessibility and inclusivity stand as crucial pillars for ensuring that every individual receives the care they need, regardless of linguistic or cultural barriers. 

It is within this context that our journey with the NSW Small Business Innovation & Research (SBIR) program, specifically the Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Challenge presented by NSW Health / SWSLHD, began.

Last year, we received the exhilarating news that our proposal had clinched [SBIR Phase 1.](https://videotranslator.ai/blog/videotranslatorai-wins-feasibility-study-for-nsw-small-business-innovation-research-program/) 

This marked the inception of a collaborative effort between VideoTranslatorAI and the University of Newcastle, aimed at leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionize healthcare accessibility for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities.

## Our Team
Our team, comprising individuals driven by a shared passion for innovation and inclusivity, embodies the synergy between academia and industry. 

At the helm is Professor Kiwako Ito, leading a group of dedicated researchers including PhD students Suzan Makhloof, Mais Alsabayleh, and Ashraf Abdelbaky, as well as undergraduate students Elizabeth Walker, Madeleine Lock, and Tessa Robertson. 

On the industry side, VideoTranslatorAI brings forth the expertise of Tat Banerjee, Tessa Joana, James Wilson, and Nic Mantzivis.

We would like to acknowledge Ayu Saraswati, Catherine Oates-Smith, and Nick Haskins from NSSN for acting as our academic liaison team. 

Additionally, we would like to thank the UoN commercialisation team, including Maree Campbell and Monique Moore. 

## What we did during the feasibility study
Phase 1 of our project focuses on conducting a feasibility study centred around voice-to-text transcription, translation, and analysis software.

In practise, we were looking for ways in which audit, reporting and remediation processes can be put in place to ensure the AI works correctly during complex medical conversations.

The maternity and midwifery team at SWSLHD uses a specific lexicon when communicating with patients, and the Interpreter Services team has specific translations when the patients are from CALD backgrounds. 

How to use an AI to do this at scale, while providing the tools to ensure accuracy, but also meet regulatory and ethical standards, was the core question of the feasibility study.

Our overarching goal is to facilitate seamless communication during antenatal visits, thereby enhancing the overall patient experience for multicultural communities.

This endeavour perfectly aligns with VideoTranslatorAI's mission to harness AI's potential in overcoming linguistic barriers and fostering effective communication across diverse settings. 

As we delve into this feasibility study, we're not only exploring technological solutions but also delving into the intricacies of cultural sensitivity and healthcare delivery.

## What happens next?
Post SBIR phase 1, the University of Newcastle's team is currently in the process of compiling a report detailing the AI's performance and the challenges encountered during the feasibility studies.

This report not only serves as a testament to our dedication but also provides valuable insights that can shape future endeavours in healthcare innovation. Their dedication and expertise were instrumental in navigating the complexities of the project.

## Conclusion
In conclusion, our journey with SBIR Phase 1 has been nothing short of transformative. It has reinforced our belief in the power of collaboration, innovation, and technology to create meaningful change. 

As we reflect on our journey, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Southwest Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD), the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer, and the Small Business Innovation & Research program team for their unwavering support and belief in our vision.

Their encouragement fuelled our determination to push boundaries and drive innovation.

Looking ahead, we hopefully anticipate the next phase of our journey – SBIR Phase 2. With a solid foundation laid in Phase 1 and the invaluable insights gained, we are poised to take our innovation to new heights.

Together with our partners at the University of Newcastle, we remain steadfast in our commitment to revolutionizing healthcare communication for CALD communities!

Our Journey with SBIR Phase 1: Enhancing Healthcare Accessibility for CALD Communities

VideoTranslatorAI's journey for the NSW Small Business Innovation & Research (SBIR) program for the feasibility study began!

We are thrilled to announce that VideoTranslatorAI has been selected to [conduct the feasibility study](https://www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/news/nsw-sbir-program-awards-$1-million-in-grants-to-small-business-to-tackle-nsw-problems) for the [2022 NSW Small Business Innovation & Research program](https://www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/funding/research-and-development/small-business-innovation-research-program) - Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Challenge!

![VideoTranslatorAI's SBIR 2022 application](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/3bbfc6f7eb7a3c54d28066d8cafb1a5e390649982e50affd18d143ba7fe399ac.webp)

This opportunity is not only an honor for our team but also a chance to make a meaningful impact in addressing the critical issue of delivering health services to Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities.

# About the Challenge

The Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Challenge, presented by NSW Health, seeks innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered solutions to enhance the delivery of health services to CALD communities.

![About the SBIR 2022 Challenge](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/6c0d7a12a5d98484f79ea1cd2b8290428f31ded8d5e9120686a975a150a3abea.webp)

The demand for medical interpretation services is soaring, and the multitude of languages poses a unique challenge for healthcare professionals, particularly midwives, and nurses, in effectively communicating with patients and families outside of acute care settings. 

Despite previous attempts with AI initiatives, such as translating pre-prepared videos and handheld video translation devices, the limitations in reference directories have hindered success in bridging the CALD service delivery gaps.

# VideoTranslatorAI's Contribution

In response to this challenge, VideoTranslatorAI, in collaboration with the University of Newcastle and bolstered by NSW Smart Sensing Network's support, is undertaking a feasibility study focused on voice-to-text transcription, translation, and analysis software. We aim to facilitate communication during antenatal visits and enhance the overall multicultural patient experience.

This feasibility study aligns perfectly with VideoTranslatorAI's mission to harness the power of AI to overcome linguistic barriers and facilitate effective communication in diverse settings. 

We are committed to developing a solution that not only meets the unique challenges faced by healthcare professionals but also contributes to the broader goal of enhancing healthcare accessibility for all.

We believe that technology can play a pivotal role in overcoming language barriers and ensuring that every individual, regardless of their linguistic background, has access to high-quality healthcare services.

# Conclusion

In conclusion, we express our gratitude for being chosen to undertake this feasibility study, and we are enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to the improvement of CALD services in the healthcare sector. 

Through the innovative application of AI, VideoTranslatorAI is dedicated to creating a solution that will positively impact the lives of patients, interpreters and healthcare personnel alike. 

We are excited about the positive impact our work can have on the lives of individuals from CALD backgrounds, ultimately fostering a healthier and more connected community.

Thank you to Southwest Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD), the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer, and the Small Business Innovation & Research program, for recognizing the importance of addressing these challenges, and we are excited to embark on this journey towards a more inclusive and accessible healthcare future.

VideoTranslatorAI Wins Feasibility Study for NSW Small Business Innovation & Research Program

Focusing on AI for healthcare in CALD communities. We are excited to contribute to a more inclusive healthcare in NSW.

VideoTranslatorAI Wins Feasibility Study for NSW Small Business Innovation and Research Program

One major challenge in diverse societies is the provision of healthcare services.

In western Sydney, this problem is directly tackled by the [South-West Sydney Local Health District](https://www.swslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/), which sits under [New South Wales Health](https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx).

Ok \- so obviously this is complicated stuff. But how does video translation help?

If you don't speak good English, specifically business English, finding information is very hard. The doctor is the only resource who can help, but what happens when they don't speak your language?

In this post, we look at how SWSLHD is trying to empower occupational therapists (OT’s) who work with developmentally challenged children.

It should be noted that the point of spending the money on these videos is the very long life they are expected to have \- learn more about the ROI implications of video content with Video Translator AI.

## **How To Reduce The Workload On Front Line Staff**

Doctors, nurses and medical professionals are clearly very busy people.

And have gotten busier (\!) due to Covid-19.

But the majority of work is around interfacing with parents.

Imagine you don't speak good English. You can get by, but that is kind of it. Now your child is sick. But your doctor does not know your language. Where do you get information from?

The simple answer is you spend time with doctors and nurses trying to get your concerns addressed in broken English.

But this is frustrating, and hard. And how do you know if you’re understanding is correct?

For SWSLHD, this is an enormously wasteful exercise in time (for front line staff) and money (for NSW Health), and introduces substantial risk to boot.

There must be a better way.

## **Getting Resources Into The Hands Of Front Line Staff**

The specific test case SWSLHD was looking at was Occupational Therapists (OT’s) who were working with young mum's whose children have developmental difficulties.

Specifically, how to get information to the family unit \- because if you can get the family to incorporate behavioural changes \- that is the win, but across multiple languages.

**The idea is to get information in different languages to the community \- this allows families to educate themselves about the challenges, thus making time spent with doctors/nurses far more effective.**

This is what the original English video is \- OT’s show it to mum’s in the clinic.

<iframe width="1128" height="635" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ruf1m26q3vQ" title="How to hold a pencil" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

## **Online Resources To Help Patients Using Video Translation \- Arabic**

This is the same video in Arabic.

<iframe width="1236" height="695" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VfsnG1zFLX8" title="How to hold a pencil (Arabic)" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

## **Online Resources To Help Patients Using Video Translation \- Vietnamese**

This is the same video in Vietnamese.

<iframe width="1236" height="695" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qAQmPpfkUHk" title="How to hold a pencil (Vietnamese)" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

## **Conclusion**

We’d like to thank the staff at SWSLHD for being super easy to work with, and generally for the life altering work they do \- you guys rock\!

Are you interested in our work? [Reach out and say hello](https://calendly.com/tbanerjee/translation-starter-call)\!

Please connect with us on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/videotranslator/), [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrwmRcZiFkyq8-xAwn77Yg/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/videotranslatorai/) for any comments, questions, or just to keep up to date with the work we do\!

If you're interested in learning more, [try our product now](https://agent.videotranslator.ai/chat).


How NSW Health Is Using Video Translation To Empower Occupational Therapists

Read how NSW Health is using video translation to help its occupational therapists help developmentally challenged children.

Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana or [VYASA](https://svyasa.edu.in/) is a registered charitable institution (1986) working to make Yoga a socially relevant field of study.

Based on the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, Vyasa University combines the four streams of Yoga with unity in their diversity, the key essence of Indian culture, applications of Yoga to bring health, harmony, and peace the world over are now spread across the globe in nearly 30 countries.![Vyasa University](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/7449fe08a6a5786590577942d81b34ef954e20f931682d4af9a1fd93621c1679.webp)

The mission of VYASA is to combine the best of the East (Yoga and Spiritual lore) with that of the West (modern scientific research).

## **Covid-19 And Its Effects On India**

As of [May 8th, 2020, 56,342 positive cases](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2020.00250/full) have been reported in India. India, with a population of more than 1.34 billion—the second largest population in the world—will have difficulty in controlling the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 among its population.

The reaction of the Government Of India has been strong, as they realised that allowing the pandemic to run away would lead to serious loss of life given the limited per-capita medical facilities in India.![Covid-19 cases in India](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/c5cca046e9f42170ec7571e7b1b31f1f6fe7130e3d9708d9fb71191ffae63e75.webp)

The [Ministry of Health and Family Welfare](https://www.mohfw.gov.in/) (MOHFW), India, has raised awareness about the recent outbreak and taken necessary action to control COVID-19. Besides, the MOHFW has created a 24/7 disease alert helpline and provided policy guidelines on surveillance, clinical management, infection prevention and control, sample collection, transportation, and discharging suspected or confirmed cases.

## **Vyasa University's Contribution To The Fight Against Covid-19**

Vyasa University was asked by GOI contacts within MOHFW and [AYUSH](https://www.ayush.gov.in/) to create content that raised awareness about Covid-19.

But how to get this out into various Indian languages, in a timely and cost-effective fashion?![content localization workflow](https://storage.googleapis.com/vtai-web-media-prod/cms/originals/blog-inline/36081d521b64bcdb6cf6438e6318743ed254c52ecb5f4852fec4b2b7583f7f03.webp)

The outcome \- have a look on [their YouTube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH2MkZ6oLNjNs_NU_mhvTpw)\!

## **Sample Vyasa University Video With Telugu Open Captions**

<iframe width="1236" height="695" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4tPrHo_mJcI" title="ELDERLY PERSONS 1 YOGA FOR COVID 19 WITH TELUGU SUBTITLES" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

## **Sample Vyasa University Video With Kannada Open Captions**

<iframe width="1236" height="695" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B2J9ueZGhyo" title="ELDERLY PERSONS 2 YOGA FOR COVID WITH KANNADA SUBTITLES" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

## **Sample Vyasa University Video With Malayalam Open Captions**

<iframe width="1236" height="695" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A_YkGEeBgik" title="ELDERLY PERSONS 1 YOGA FOR COVID 19 WITH MALAYALAM SUBTITLES" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

## **Conclusion**

It was a pleasure working the with staff and leadership at Vyasa University and we wish them the best of luck with their work going forward\!

Please connect with us on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/videotranslator/), [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrwmRcZiFkyq8-xAwn77Yg/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/videotranslatorai/) for any comments, questions, or just to keep up to date with the work we do\!

We're no longer just about transcription—VideoTranslatorAI now offers a complete multilingual communication platform to support real-time conversations across languages.

If you're interested in learning more, [try our product now](https://agent.videotranslator.ai/chat). We'd love to hear from you!


How Vyasa University Is Fighting Covid With Video Translation

See how Vyasa University used video translation to share Covid awareness content across eight Indian languages.

Video Translation for Covid Awareness at Vyasa

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Multilingual interpretation, transcription, and structured summaries for high-stakes conversations.

Healthcare and Aged Care