Tim Scannell, Accessibility Consultant:

Enhancing Access for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by Focusing on Sign Language, Digital Accessibility, and Information Access for Everyone.

Before AI avatars, machine learning, motion capture, and sign language datasets, there were Deaf communities. There were Deaf people signing across dinner tables, in schools, churches, clubs, workplaces, and streets long before technology companies discovered sign language. Sign language did not begin with AI. It began with people. For centuries, Deaf communities built language, identity, humour, friendship, culture, education, and resilience together. Even during periods whe

I often think about AI and sign language beyond technology itself. Not only recognition systems, captions, translation models, or animated avatars. I think about people. AI and Sign Language: Enhancing Human Connection, Not Replacing It. This infographic highlights the importance of using AI to support the Deaf community, emphasising the rich history and strong future of sign language. It outlines the value of human involvement in developing AI systems and stresses the role o

Recent public discussions after SLxAI have shown that Sign Language AI is no longer a quiet technical topic. It is now a public conversation involving Deaf communities, researchers, companies, universities, broadcasters, accessibility professionals, and AI developers. I did not attend SLxAI myself, so this is not a review of the conference. My reflection is based on public posts, comments, media coverage, and discussions shared by people who attended or responded afterwards.

Yesterday, I saw media coverage about AI tools translating ASL in real time. At first, it looked impressive. I can understand why many people would see this as exciting progress. Two sign language professionals stand side by side against a dark blue background. Both wear formal business clothing and ornate Venetian-style masks in white and gold that cover their faces. Their hands are raised in signing positions, creating a strong contrast between human communication and hidde

Tomorrow, the SLxAI conference in Boston begins. I will not be there. I have teaching work and contracts to honour. But I have spent the past year watching this space closely, writing about it, questioning it, and trying to understand where it is going. Since March 2025 , I have been researching and reflecting on AI and sign language through this blog. Over that time, I have seen some promising ideas, some important discussions, and also some serious warning signs. There is

I’m Deaf. When TNT Sports on Amazon Prime has no subtitles, I am shut out — before the match, during the match, and after the match. No access to the pre-match build-up. No access to live commentary. No access to post-match analysis, interviews, or reaction. I raised this issue by email back in November 2025 . My TNT complaint case reference is 23342785, dated Friday 8 November 2025 . The response at the time confirmed that subtitles were not available on all content. This