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💡 AI + Sign Language: The Next Step in Accessibility
AI and machine learning already power two main pathways: 1️⃣ Sign Language Recognition – translating signs into text or speech. 2️⃣ Sign Language Generation – producing signs or animations from text or speech. But there’s a third direction emerging — and it could change everything. 🤖 Sign ↔ Gloss ↔ Sign Imagine this: A Deaf user walks up to a McDonald’s kiosk or activates Siri. They sign “COFFEE.”The screen instantly shows “COFFEE ✅” , with related options like “TEA” or “
Tim Scannell
Nov 121 min read


💡 AI + Sign Language: Building Tools That Truly Understand
Recently, I’ve seen growing interest in tools like Sign-Speak and SignGemma — both exploring how AI can better understand sign language, not just display it. 🧠 Sign-Speak focuses on real-time sign-to-text and sign-to-voice translation, giving Deaf users and interpreters more direct ways to communicate.🤖 SignGemma , from Google DeepMind, explores sign language recognition using large-scale AI models. Out there, we already see many providers creating audio-to-text , tex
Tim Scannell
Nov 121 min read


🧭 Before You Invest: The Ethical AI-BSL Checklist
AI has the potential to enhance accessibility, but without rigorous ethical oversight and Deaf leadership , it risks deepening linguistic inequality—the new Digital Milan . For any hearing or non-signing organisation planning to buy, fund, or promote an "AI Sign Language" product, due diligence is mandatory. Before you fund, buy, or promote an "AI Sign Language" tool, you must ask these 7 Questions. AI innovation without ethical governance leads to Language Injustice . We nee
Tim Scannell
Nov 82 min read


🧠 Final Reflection on AI, BSL, & Language Justice: We Must Not Repeat History.
Hearing-led control over Deaf Language and knowledge. Languages never colonised again. Over the past year, my research has explored how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming access to British Sign Language (BSL) . What I found confirms a critical truth: BSL is a living language , not just data, and its interface with AI is fundamentally about language power and equality. Too often, AI projects risk repeating historical mistakes—a pattern I call Digital Milan: Innovat
Tim Scannell
Nov 81 min read


🎥 Bodycam vs Drone vs AI Robot — The Future of Sign Language Accessibility
As a Deaf BSL user who wears a bodycam, I’ve thought a lot about how technology could better capture sign language communication for...
Tim Scannell
Oct 11 min read


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


🧏♀️🌍 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
🗞️ 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 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


🚆 AI and BSL Accessibility in UK Train Stations
What’s happening now—and the road ahead 🎥🤟 As a Deaf BSL user, advocate, and researcher, I’ve been exploring the rollout of...
Tim Scannell
Jun 291 min read


If AI Claims to Understand Sign Language, It Must Be Held to Human Standards
🧭 Guiding Premise If AI tools claim to understand, translate, or mediate sign language communication, then they must meet human-level...
Tim Scannell
Jun 292 min read
Deaf Voices Matter in AI Development 🧏♀️🤖
Over the past few weeks, members of the Deaf community, including native BSL users, have tried to share feedback with an AI company...
Tim Scannell
May 161 min read
🔑 Accessibility for All: A Game-Changer for Deaf & Disabled Communities
As we continue to push for greater inclusion, it’s clear that true accessibility goes beyond slogans and PR campaigns. It’s about...
Tim Scannell
Mar 181 min read


🚀 AI vs. Human Translators in Sign Language: Can You Tell the Difference? 🤖✋
As AI-powered Sign Language Recognition (SLR) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) evolve, we’re breaking down communication barriers....
Tim Scannell
Mar 72 min read
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