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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.
Reflection on My Deaf Awareness Training and Feedback for My DAT Tutor
During my Deaf Awareness Training, many hearing people told me that they do not know how to use a hearing loop for questions and answers. I think it would be a good idea to create an e-learning tool for new staff and employees. This tool could explain how to use assistive listening devices, including how to arrange a remote interpreter call. It should include information about: what the service is, how deaf people access it, and why it is important. One of the most critical i
Tim Scannell
Oct 2, 20251 min read
Part 4: Call to Action – Listen, Act, and Include
Accessibility is not a luxury- it is a legal, ethical, and human responsibility . BSL Act 2022: Recognises BSL as a language of England, Wales, and Scotland. Public services must integrate BSL in their communications. Equality Act 2010: Mandates reasonable adjustments in employment and services. Accessible Information Standard: Requires health and social care providers to deliver information in formats Deaf users can actually access. Yet, the Deaf community still waits. We
Tim Scannell
Oct 2, 20251 min read
Part 3: Technology and AI – Are We Sacrificing Quality for Speed?
In recent years, companies have leaned on AI captions, auto-translations, and text-to-speech solutions for Deaf accessibility. While technology has potential, it cannot replace qualified human interpreters who understand nuance, culture, and context. Google Glass was a promising tool, but it’s been discontinued. Many companies now prioritise cheaper AI solutions over reliable, accurate sign language services - one-way communication. Even high-profile public events still offe
Tim Scannell
Oct 2, 20251 min read
Part 2: Workplace and Corporate Barriers – Accessibility Is Not Optional
Deaf people face delays in workplaces, healthcare, and public services because accessibility is treated as a “nice-to-have,” not a legal obligation. Access to Work delays: Many Deaf employees wait weeks or months for approval to book interpreters. Healthcare appointments: Booking an appointment often requires extra layers of bureaucracy, rather than allowing direct access to freelance interpreters. Corporate “minimum compliance”: Companies often focus on big profits and ta
Tim Scannell
Oct 2, 20251 min read
Part 1: TV Licences, Subtitles, and Sign Language - Why We’re Still Waiting
I’ve been reflecting on a frustrating reality: even after decades of progress, Deaf people are still left behind in media and accessibility. Since before 2020, I’ve used tools like Google Glass with closed captions to keep up with TV programmes. In 2020, we saw small steps forward— Strictly Come Dancing raised awareness with sign language interpreters, and films like The Silent Child and CODA gained recognition and awards. Google searches for learning BSL even spiked by 3,
Tim Scannell
Oct 2, 20251 min read
🎥 Bodycam vs Drone vs AI Robot — The Future of Sign Language Accessibility
As a Deaf BSL user who wears a bodycam, I’ve thought a lot about how technology could better capture sign language communication for accessibility and evidence. Here’s a quick breakdown of three options: 1. Bodycam 🎥 Pros: Worn on your body, capturing what you see. Simple and portable. Cons: Misses “middle zone” — your hands and signing are often out of frame. Limited to one fixed perspective. Audio-focused; not designed for sign language. 2. Drone 🛸 Pros: Flexible, can h
Tim Scannell
Oct 1, 20251 min read
🚆 Accessibility in Travel: Why BSL on Train Screens Matters
I came across this photo of a train departure board featuring a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter in the corner. Some people commented: “Why do we need sign language? Deaf people can read the screen.” It sounds simple, but the reality is more complex. Here’s why BSL still matters: Language Access For many Deaf people, BSL is their first language . English often serves as a second language. Written text may not always be easy to process quickly, especially under stress
Tim Scannell
Sep 26, 20253 min read
Crafting a Comprehensive Accessibility Guide
Creating an environment that welcomes everyone is not just a nice-to-have - it’s essential. Whether you’re running a business, organising...
Tim Scannell
Sep 20, 20254 min read
“AI British Sign Language” Webinar: No BSL Interpreter Despite Months of Planning – Accessibility Matters
Today, I attended a webinar titled “AI British Sign Language.” Given the webinar’s name, I expected full accessibility for Deaf BSL users, including a human BSL interpreter . Unfortunately, this was not provided. Lack of BSL Interpretation During the webinar, I raised the issue in the live chat: "Your webinar is called ‘AI British Sign Language,’ yet you are not providing a BSL interpreter. This is unacceptable and a clear breach of the BSL Act 2022. I demand immediate actio
Tim Scannell
Sep 19, 20251 min read
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