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.

Not all uses of AI-generated sign language carry the same level of risk. In low-risk public information contexts — such as airports, train stations, or general announcements — AI sign language may be acceptable if it is clearly presented as assistive and not a replacement for human interpretation. However, the situation changes in high-stakes contexts . In medicine , errors can affect consent, diagnosis, and patient safety. In justice , misinterpretation can affect rights,

Generative AI is now being used to convert written text or spoken language into sign language avatars for websites, videos and public communication. Innovation in accessibility is positive. However, when working with British Sign Language (BSL), accuracy is essential. BSL is a complete language. It has its own grammar, structure and visual rules. If these rules are not clear, meaning can change. HOLMN: The Foundation of BSL Every sign in BSL depends on five key elements. Thes

Spatiality and phonology are core parts of sign language. Many current AI systems still struggle to represent them accurately. When errors appear in AI-generated sign language, responsibility is often implicitly placed on the human sign language translator involved. This is unfair and incorrect. In most systems, translators are not delivering sign language directly to the AI. They are contributing to datasets, often in the form of sign language gloss. Gloss is a simplified re

Under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) , States, public bodies, universities, and organisations have clear obligations to recognise, promote, and protect sign languages — and the people who use and sustain them. As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies increasingly enter the field of sign language translation and accessibility, they are often framed as progress: faster access, wider reach, lower cost. Accessibility is impo

Policy Summary This article sets out key considerations for responsible investment and deployment of AI for sign-language communication, particularly British Sign Language (BSL). Key points for policymakers, funders and commissioners: Current AI systems do not yet produce fully natural BSL and should not be treated as equivalent to human interpretation. Accuracy, safety and trust are critical in high-risk sectors such as healthcare, justice, education, employment and publ

Alt Text:: Illustration showing a busy public transport environment during an emergency. Deaf and hearing passengers, staff, and a driver communicate using multiple methods: sign language, written text, mobile alerts, smartwatches with haptic warnings, and face-to-face interaction. A sign language avatar appears on a screen, but the focus is on real people communicating directly. The image emphasises that accessibility is not tokenistic or limited to one avatar, but requires

“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

When AI meets sign language, avatars are often the first thing we see. They’re visual, impressive, and easy to demonstrate. But if AI support for Deaf communities stops at avatars, we’ve misunderstood the real need. An avatar is a delivery layer , not intelligence. Infographic showing that sign language AI is more than avatars, highlighting the need for two-way communication, understanding context, and working everywhere to support real accessibility. True AI assistance for s