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Tim Scannell Accessibility Consultant
Welcome to our blog, where we explore various news about barriers, solutions, and challenges. Here, you'll find insightful articles that delve into pressing issues and innovative approaches to overcoming them. Join us as we navigate the complexities of today's world and share stories of resilience and progress. Stay informed and inspired!
Sign Language in the Era of Artificial Intelligence - A Turning Point for Deaf Rights
The European Union of the Deaf (EUD) has released a landmark report, “Sign Language in the Era of Artificial Intelligence.” It’s part...
Tim Scannell
Aug 153 min read
🖐 AI & Sign Languages: Why Deaf-Led Safeguards Matter
2025 is shaping up to be a turning point in how AI intersects with sign languages. Recent publications highlight a common theme: Irish...
Tim Scannell
Aug 131 min read
Design for All—Not Just for Some
That clean disability icon in a black circle - binary code floating in the background shows up on more and more websites. It’s a common...
Tim Scannell
Aug 122 min read
Big Promises, Hard Reality: Why Some AI Startups Struggle
Introduction AI companies often make big promises. They show plans in steps or “tiers,” starting small and aiming high. These...
Tim Scannell
Aug 122 min read
Breaking the Silence: Supporting Deaf Referees in English Football
Football often calls itself “the beautiful game for all,” but inclusion must extend beyond players on the pitch, it must also embrace...
Tim Scannell
Aug 112 min read
Why Sign Language Technology Lags Behind Other Accessibility Tools
Accessibility technology has made huge leaps over the past 40 years but not equally for everyone. Here’s how the focus evolved: Timeline...
Tim Scannell
Aug 61 min read
🧏♀️ Real-Time Accessibility Tools Are Evolving—But Where Is Sign Language?
We’ve seen major advances in virtual meeting platforms - real-time captions , gesture recognition , and even eye gaze interaction . These...
Tim Scannell
Aug 12 min read
🧏♀️🌍 AI is changing search – but will it help Deaf people learn sign languages too?
This month, a major tech company launched a new ‘AI mode’ for search in the UK. It gives you fast answers in a friendly, chat-like way —...
Tim Scannell
Jul 291 min read
Did you know WCAG doesn’t fully cover Deaf communication needs?
🧠 Most people think “accessibility” means adding captions or alt text. 💻 And yes - WCAG helps with that. It’s a technical guide for...
Tim Scannell
Jul 271 min read
🚆 Planning for BSL Accessibility Awareness This Week! 🤟
This week, I’m raising awareness about the real challenges Deaf people face when trying to give feedback or get help at train stations...
Tim Scannell
Jul 192 min read
🤖💥 AI is racing forward… but can it truly understand ASL?
I recently watched a powerful video by the CODA brothers signing in ASL. I can’t share the video directly, but it left me thinking deeply...
Tim Scannell
Jul 182 min read
AI Signing Avatars at Train Stations – Some Are Better, But Safety Still Matters
Recently, I shared a video of an AI signing avatar at a train station. The avatar’s signing was not accurate, and it came too late to...
Tim Scannell
Jul 131 min read
🌍 Global Review: Mobile Accessibility for Deaf People (Focus: Apps, Services, Strengths & Gaps)
🇺🇸 United States - Strong but ASL-centric ✅ Strengths: Advanced AI-powered apps like: Ntouch (Sorenson) – VRS with ASL interpreters...
Tim Scannell
Jul 83 min read
🗞️ Deaf Community Update: From Norwich Airport to AI and Education
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been actively engaged in critical conversations on accessibility , Deaf leadership , and the role of...
Tim Scannell
Jul 83 min read
AI, BSL, and Language Equity: A Reflective Journal on Inclusion, Ethics, and the Future of Communication
An AI company manager struggled to learn BSL Level 1, but still asked his tutor to move him forward to Level 2. Meanwhile, the company's...
Tim Scannell
Jul 64 min read
🏁 Making Motorsport & Football More Accessible: A Broadcast Perspective
As a fan of both Formula 1 and football , I’ve noticed something important: how graphics and subtitles can make or break accessibility ...
Tim Scannell
Jul 62 min read
"AI With Us, Not About Us: Deaf Leadership, Sign Languages, and the Future of Human-Centered Technology"
📺 I watched EUD TV – Series 1 Episode 2 – AI, Sign Languages and our Digital Future . I am pleased this important conversation is...
Tim Scannell
Jul 31 min read
The EU and UK are addressing sign language within their AI and accessibility frameworks:
🇪🇺 European Union ✅ Inclusion in the EU AI Act The AI Act mandates accessibility for high-risk AI systems , referencing EU disability...
Tim Scannell
Jul 22 min read
🤖 AI, Sign Language & Inclusion: Why the Deaf Community Must Not Be Left Behind
As artificial intelligence continues to shape how we work, communicate, and access services, there’s a growing concern that Deaf...
Tim Scannell
Jul 13 min read
🌍 AI, Accessibility & Sign Language: Let’s Lead with Inclusion
As AI tools develop rapidly across Europe and beyond, there’s one group we must not leave behind : the Deaf community and sign language...
Tim Scannell
Jul 12 min read
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