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.

Because everyone deserves access to information, even on the road. Many people enjoy listening to radio updates while driving: 🎶 Music | 🗞 News | ☀️ Weather | 🚦 Traffic But what about Deaf and hard-of-hearing people? 💡 Imagine This: 🎙️ Live radio audio is transcribed in real time into text on the dashboard screen. 🤟 That text is translated into British Sign Language (BSL) using either AI signers or human interpreters. 🧏‍♀️ Deaf drivers and passengers can independen

After recent meetings with AI companies developing sign language technology, here are key reflections and calls to action shared by Deaf users and communities: 1. Introduction & Engagement Too often, initial contact lacks transparency and accessibility. Deaf users need to understand: Who you are What is your mission? How do you intend to collaborate (e.g., remote vs. face-to-face) 2. Commitment & Vision Waiting for the “right moment” leads to delays. We need direction now: Wh