🌍 AI, Accessibility & Sign Language: Let’s Lead with Inclusion

As AI tools develop rapidly across Europe and beyond, there’s one group we must not leave behind: the Deaf community and sign language users.

In both the UK and EU, laws are emerging to guide how AI impacts our lives but protections for sign languages like BSL (British Sign Language) and national sign languages across Europe are still unclear or missing.

🧏‍♀️ In the UK, the British Deaf Association (BDA) is doing vital work to ensure AI tools reflect BSL’s rich diversityand are built with Deaf leadership. AI cannot replace the facial grammar, cultural nuance, and human connectionthat real BSL interpreters provide especially in critical places like courts, healthcare, and education.

🇪🇺 Across the EU, the European Union of the Deaf (EUD) is calling on lawmakers to make sure sign languages are explicitly included in AI training and protected under accessibility laws. The new EU Accessibility Act (from June 28) is a step forward but the AI Act still falls short in guaranteeing sign-language access.

🚨 Meanwhile, some worry that other countries like the US could roll back disability rights like the ADA. We cannot let inclusion become optional.

✨ The UK and EU have a chance to lead by example. Let’s build AI that respects Deaf communities, includes sign languages by default, and sets a global standard for accessibility and equity.

🤝 What can you do?

• Support organisations like BDA and EUD

• Speak up for Deaf-led, inclusive AI design

• Encourage policymakers to protect and fund sign-language interpreting—human and AI-assisted

• Share this message and raise awareness

  
  

Together, we can ensure that AI serves everyone, not just the majority.

#BSL #AIinclusion #Accessibility #DeafCommunity #SignLanguageRights #InclusiveTech #EUD #BDA #GlobalInclusion #AIethics #DisabilityRights #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #ADA