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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


🔊 Equal Access for Deaf Sports Fans – Accessibility on TNT Sports & Discovery+
We are Deaf sports fans who pay full subscription prices for @DiscoveryPlusUK , @TNTSports , and @AmazonUK — yet for over a year, live football and rugby have been broadcast without subtitles or audio description. 📅 Saturday 1st November 2025 – live rugby and football on TNT Sports (via Discovery+ / Amazon Prime Video) 📅 Saturday 8th November 2025 – Spurs v Manchester United on TNT Sports 1 👉 Both broadcasts had no subtitles and no audio description .🎥 I’ve
Tim Scannell
Nov 101 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
🖐 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


🚆 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
🌍 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
🆘 Seeking Advice & InformationSupport for Deaf Asylum Seekers in the UK 🆘
I’ve noticed a significant gap between the support available for Deaf Refugees and Deaf Asylum Seekers , and I’m reaching out for...
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


🚆 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


📢 When Branding Doesn’t Match Reality: Why Transparency Matters in AI Accessibility
There’s a troubling trend in sign language accessibility: 🚩 Companies release videos claiming “AI-driven BSL translation was seamlessly...
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
Bi-directional? Multi-directional? Why Inclusive Tech Can’t Be One-Way. 🔁
We often talk about tools like “Sign to Audio” or “Text to Sign” as if they’re standalone solutions. But in real life, especially in...
Tim Scannell
Jun 11 min read


🔊 Sign to Audio or Text to Sign - Where Do We Begin? 🤔
As we push forward in developing inclusive communication technologies , this question keeps coming up: 👉 Should we prioritise “Sign to...
Tim Scannell
Jun 11 min read
Deaf Voices Matter in AI Development 🧏♀️🤖Last week, I shared: “Deaf Voices Matter in AI Development” — and it’s now received over 5,000 reactions in just one week.
That shows how deeply this message resonates. 💬 Recently, members of the Deaf community, including native BSL users , gave feedback to a...
Tim Scannell
Jun 12 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


🌍 Time for Change: Fair Exam Options for Deaf Students in the UK 🤟
As a Deaf student, I’ve personally faced the challenges of being tested in written English, despite British Sign Language (BSL) being my...
Tim Scannell
May 162 min read
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