🗞️ Deaf Community Update: From Norwich Airport to AI and Education
- Tim Scannell
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been actively engaged in critical conversations on accessibility, Deaf leadership, and the role of emerging technologies in shaping inclusive futures. Here’s a summary of recent developments — and why they matter.
🔹 Norwich Airport: Consultation or Oversight?
Recently, Norwich Airport announced the introduction of AI-powered sign language wayfinding screens, intended to improve the experience for Deaf passengers. In their press release, they stated that the technology was developed “in consultation with people with additional needs.”
However, after I contacted a representative for clarification and then followed up with members of the local Deaf community, including representatives from Deaf Connexions, I received a different account.
❗ “No consultation. No feedback. No awareness until it was advertised.”
This raises important concerns about how “consultation” is defined - and who is included in those conversations. Local Deaf organisations with deep roots in the community say they were not involved at any stage. If so, this initiative may represent another example of accessibility without inclusion, a top-down approach that risks missing the needs it intends to serve.
➡️ True inclusion starts with genuine community engagement, not after-the-fact announcements.
🔹 ICED 2025 – Rome 🇮🇹: A Historic Shift in Tone
At the upcoming International Congress on the Education of the Deaf (ICED) in Rome, WFD President Dr. Joseph Murray made a powerful statement:
“Let’s bury the 1880 resolutions and build a world where Deaf people can sign anywhere. Shame no more.”
This message honours generations of Deaf advocates who have fought against oralist oppression. But it also serves as a call to action for how we integrate AI and emerging tech into Deaf spaces.
As AI rapidly develops, many sign language tools remain hearing-led, created without meaningful Deaf input. Without Deaf leadership, we risk replicating systems that exclude the very people they aim to support.
✅ Inclusion isn’t optional. It’s essential.
🔹 Deaf-Led Education: The UK’s Missed Opportunities
Inspired by EUD President Sofia Isari’s powerful message about Deaf control in education — 📎 watch her speech — it’s time to reflect on the current UK landscape.
Despite efforts to promote British Sign Language (BSL) and Deaf educators, serious challenges remain:
⏳ BSL tutors are facing delays of three months or more for Level 2 exam results.
⏳ Access to Work (AtW) renewals through the DWP are facing backlogs, delaying vital support for Deaf professionals.
These aren’t isolated issues. They reflect systemic delays that undermine opportunity, independence, and Deaf-led progress.
🔹 AI & Accessibility: Who’s Leading?
On a more hopeful note, I’ve had productive conversations with AI and accessibility innovators:
🤝 Met with HandTalk, who are developing promising sign language avatars for children.
📅 Scheduled meetings with:
Google Accessibility Tools – 16 July
Signapse (AI Sign Language Roadmap) – 22 July
Kara Technologies (with co-founder Arash Tayebi)
These developments show great potential - but also reinforce a key principle:
👉 Deaf people must lead in the design of technology, education, and accessibility systems. Leadership isn’t a nice-to-have - it’s non-negotiable.
🎯 Conclusion: Nothing About Us, Without Us
Across airports, AI labs, and classrooms, one message remains constant:
“Nothing about us, without us.”
It’s not enough to build inclusive tools. We must build them with the communities they’re meant to serve, led by Deaf voices, guided by lived experience, and accountable to those most affected.
The future of accessibility must be co-designed, community-driven, and Deaf-led.
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