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.

Artificial Intelligence is transforming communication — but for sign languages, the most important truth is this: AI cannot understand sign language without Deaf people leading its design. This is not about replacing human interpreters.It is about creating new AI careers where Deaf professionals are builders, validators, and decision-makers . 1. New Job Areas for Deaf Sign Language Users (MediaPipe-Focused) Entirely new roles are emerging as AI systems begin to work with vi

I recently watched the BBC Question Time Special (30-minute summary), and it raised important issues about Deaf education, technology, and identity. There is serious concern about the sharp decline in Teachers of the Deaf . Many Deaf schools have closed — from around 60 in the past to just 22 today . These schools now support a slightly higher number of Deaf students with additional disabilities. At the same time, more Deaf children are educated in mainstream schools . While

1. Purpose of This Report This report explores how AI accessibility systems affect Deaf people and explains why shared agreement between the Deaf community, AI providers, and organisations (including government, funders, and policy decision-makers) is essential before any AI system is used. Its purpose is to support better understanding, collaboration, and safer outcomes by identifying common challenges, highlighting areas of risk, and setting out positive conditions for et

For AI to be used responsibly in accessibility, three parties must all agree : ✔ Deaf community✔ AI provider✔ Organisation / decision-maker If any one says no , the system should not be used . This is not resistance to innovation.It is basic accessibility, safety, and accountability. Too often, AI systems affecting Deaf people are: Designed without Deaf leadership Approved without independent verification Funded without clear responsibility for harm Lived experience is not “