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Designing for Deaf users — with Emmanuelle Aboaf
A conversation between a Deaf developer and a Product Designer
After meeting Emmanuelle Aboaf at Paris Web, I wanted to explore how deafness can be addressed in UX design. Emmanuelle, who was born deaf, describes herself as “bionic” due to her two cochlear implants. A Fullstack Angular .NET developer and tech enthusiast, she is also active in feminist communities. She regularly speaks at conferences to promote accessibility, both in real life and online.
We discussed her experience as a deaf user online, and as a developer, touching on the various challenges she faces. She shared her insights on how UX designers can better address the needs of Deaf users. Our conversation also covered the progress of assistive technologies, perceptions of disability, and the ongoing need to advocate for accessibility.
This interview was originally conducted in French. It reflects Emmanuelle’s personal experience and the specific context of living as a Deaf person in France, which may differ from other people’s experiences, whether in France or abroad.

