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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!
📱 Accessibility tools are evolving fast — but are they listening to everyone?
📱 I recently shared a blog about inclusive pharmacy packaging — how Braille helps blind users identify medications by touch and hearing...
Tim Scannell
Oct 111 min read
BSL is not for sale:A Deaf-led approach to AI procurement
BSL is not for sale. This Deaf-led report advocates for ethical AI procurement that prioritises the protection of British Sign Language,...
Tim Scannell
Oct 31 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
“AI British Sign Language” Webinar: No BSL Interpreter Despite Months of Planning – Accessibility Matters
Today, I attended a webinar titled “AI British Sign Language.” Given the webinar’s name, I expected full accessibility for Deaf BSL...
Tim Scannell
Sep 191 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
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
🗞️ 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
🏁 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
🤖 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
🚨 Ofsted, AI, and Accessibility: Where’s the Sign Language?
Ofsted says it won’t directly inspect AI tools but will assess how they’re managed if staff or students are using them. Their new...
Tim Scannell
Jun 302 min read
🧠 Real-Time Bidirectional Sign Language Translation with Generative AI
Bridging Communication Between Deaf Signers and Hearing Users This AI-powered pipeline supports two-way, real-time communication between...
Tim Scannell
Jun 291 min read
BSL Representation: It’s Not Just About Signs – It’s About Accuracy
👋 It’s encouraging to see British Sign Language (BSL) gaining visibility on platforms like Giphy, especially around everyday topics...
Tim Scannell
Jun 291 min read
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