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“Real-time generative AI” is often misunderstood. Real-time = fast response Generative = creates output AI = automated decision-making software Put together, real-time generative AI means: ➡️ The system can generate content immediately when triggered. What it does not automatically mean: ❌ It understands language ❌ It interprets meaning or intent ❌ It handles live, free-form communication ❌ It performs true translation ❌ It manages unexpected situations Speed ≠ understan

A false mental model has formed around “AI sign language translation.” Many people now believe that public systems (such as station screens) provide real-time sign language translation. But this belief does not match how most of these systems actually work. This false mental model has formed because: The word “real-time” is used The label “AI” is applied Signed output appears instantly and looks like language An infographic contrasting the false belief that AI provides live

Sign-language AI is often discussed as a single capability, but in practice, it encompasses  very different types of tools , each with distinct levels of maturity, risk, and impact. Before funding or adopting any solution, it’s important to be clear about: What type of system is actually being proposed whether it supports  one-way translation  (e.g. text or speech → signed output) or claims  bi-directional translation (signed input ↔ text or speech) What remains human-led ver

Happy New Year.2025 was the year I kept asking one question: If AI claims to understand sign language, who is accountable when it fails? I am  not  an AI developer or engineer. My role is to evaluate whether accessibility  actually works  for Deaf and BSL users, especially when AI is introduced into high-risk settings. This year, I saw real progress. I also saw serious gaps. Key moments in 2025: Started as  Accessibility Consultant at PN Inclusion  (July 2025) Achieved  AI

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

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 “

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

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

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

BSL is not for sale. This Deaf-led report advocates for ethical AI procurement that prioritises the protection of British Sign Language, respects Deaf culture, and ensures Deaf voices are at the forefront of the conversation. BSL is a human right - not a commodity. Full Report:  https://lnkd.in/eru7cuXS British Deaf Association: https://lnkd.in/eRnEFW8s BSL and captions:  https://lnkd.in/eSS6pYCE https://player.vimeo.com/video/1115461686?h=43f5b37999&dnt=1&app_id=122963 The r

Today, I attended a webinar titled “AI British Sign Language.” Given the webinar’s name, I expected full accessibility for Deaf BSL users, including a human BSL interpreter . Unfortunately, this was not provided. Lack of BSL Interpretation During the webinar, I raised the issue in the live chat: "Your webinar is called ‘AI British Sign Language,’ yet you are not providing a BSL interpreter. This is unacceptable and a clear breach of the BSL Act 2022. I demand immediate actio