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.

I recently watched the BBC Question Time Special (30-minute summary), and it raised important issues about Deaf education, technology, and identity. There is serious concern about the sharp decline in Teachers of the Deaf . Many Deaf schools have closed — from around 60 in the past to just 22 today . These schools now support a slightly higher number of Deaf students with additional disabilities. At the same time, more Deaf children are educated in mainstream schools . While

1. Purpose of This Report This report explores how AI accessibility systems affect Deaf people and explains why shared agreement between the Deaf community, AI providers, and organisations (including government, funders, and policy decision-makers) is essential before any AI system is used. Its purpose is to support better understanding, collaboration, and safer outcomes by identifying common challenges, highlighting areas of risk, and setting out positive conditions for et

For AI to be used responsibly in accessibility, three parties must all agree : ✔ Deaf community✔ AI provider✔ Organisation / decision-maker If any one says no , the system should not be used . This is not resistance to innovation.It is basic accessibility, safety, and accountability. Too often, AI systems affecting Deaf people are: Designed without Deaf leadership Approved without independent verification Funded without clear responsibility for harm Lived experience is not “

Recent images circulating online show multiple departure screens in a busy railway station, each with a very small BSL interpreter placed in the lower corner. At first glance, this looks like progress - visual access finally being included alongside spoken announcements. But when we look closer, it becomes clear why this approach isn’t working for many Deaf travellers. The Real-World Visibility Problem In controlled environments, a small interpreter window may seem acceptable

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 These terms are outdated, offensive, and rooted in a long history of discrimination.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

Over the last three years, AI and sign-language research has grown very fast. Many people think AI can “translate sign language,” but the real picture is more complex. We in the Deaf community have been discussing these issues, and many of us share the same concerns about how AI handles our sign languages. Here are the key points from the latest research: AI is getting better at creating signing videos with facial expression, body movement, and timing. New datasets (including

Here is a comprehensive list of important publications from 2023 to 2025. These works show progress, challenges, ethical concerns, and why Deaf-led guidance is essential. We in the Deaf community have been discussing these developments, and many people in the wider audience share the same concerns about how AI treats sign languages. 07/2025 — “Sign Language in the Era of Artificial Intelligence” Deaf-led policy + ethics  https://eud.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Sign-Langua

Image Description (Alt-text): A black-and-white linocut-style illustration shows a Deaf woman signing toward a simplified figure representing AI. The woman forms the “I-love-you / communication” handshape while her other hand rests open in front of her. She is drawn with realistic detail and a calm, focused expression. Opposite her, the AI figure is abstract and faceless, with a round head, glowing lines like rays around it, and the large letters “AI” printed on its chest. Th

There’s a growing push to use AI sign-language avatars in transport systems. But there’s a serious problem with how they’re being advertised: ❌ AI sign-language is NOT real-time ❌ It does NOT interpret live tannoy announcements ❌ It does NOT support urgent, live communication ❌ It is NOT equal access So why use the phrase “real-time translation” when it isn’t live? We need to question this — clearly and loudly. Image Description (Alt-text): A Deaf person stands alone among fa