Tim Scannell, Accessibility Consultant:

Enhancing Access for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by Focusing on Sign Language, Digital Accessibility, and Information Access for Everyone.

A welcome step from WFD This morning, I welcomed the WFD (World Federation of the Deaf) LinkedIn post about its Ad Hoc Group on Artificial Intelligence . I praise WFD for recognising that AI must be approached through human rights, accessibility, inclusion, and sign language perspectives . That is an important step forward. I hope this leads to trusted global leadership and real protection for Deaf communities as AI continues to develop at speed. Looking for country-level act

Someone in Australia passed me an article today, and it struck a deep chord. Even now, in 2025, Deaf people are still being told their own language is a problem to be solved. Here in the UK, we do not use language like “deaf and dumb,” “deaf-mute,” or “hearing impairment.” These terms are outdated, offensive, and rooted in a long history of discrimination. Deaf people are not defective. We are not incomplete. We are a linguistic and cultural community with a recognised lang

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 about how AI interacts with sign languages. Here's the reality: AI is not ready for ASL. Facial expressions and body language are crucial in ASL - they’re not just "extra," they carry grammar and emotion . Even your nose , eyebrows, eye gaze, mouth shapes, and shoulder movement add layers of meaning, just like an actor's expression in a mo

I’ve noticed a significant gap between the support available for Deaf Refugees and Deaf Asylum Seekers , and I’m reaching out for insights from anyone with knowledge or experience in this area. 🔹 Deaf Refugees often have access to direct payments and remote interpreting (e.g. VRS) via local councils. 🔸 Deaf Asylum Seekers , however, seem excluded from the same essential services ➡️ No direct payments ➡️ No access to interpreting support or VRS This gap creates serious bar