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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.
From Concerns to Conversations: Reflections on a Changing Sign Language AI Landscape
Thank you to the European Union of the Deaf (EUD) for bringing these important discussions into the public conversation. EUD's Linkedin Post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/european-union-of-the-deaf_deafrights-signlanguage-ai-activity-7468595259296497666-_fR2?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAfVDxEBUlYb7g-FMydDz_Dy9BiPrexkXwM Over the past year, I have devoted a significant amount of time to reading research papers, books, reports, conference presentations
Tim Scannell
Jun 93 min read
AI with Sign Language Must Be Deaf-Led, Independent, and Accountable
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 actio
Tim Scannell
Apr 16 min read
BSL must not become vague. BSL must remain clear, accurate, and protected — before, during, and after AI.
On Sunday , 16 February , I published a blog post on “blurring the handshape.” The central point was simple: When the handshape is blurred, the meaning is blurred. This is not a minor technical issue. It is: a language integrity issue, an accessibility issue, and a Deaf rights issue. AI-generated signing is increasingly being presented as “accessibility.” However, sign language access is not merely visual output on a screen. Sign language access is a conversation. It dep
Tim Scannell
Feb 243 min read
The Clarification: What “Real-Time Generative AI” Actually Means
“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
Tim Scannell
Jan 141 min read
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