From Concerns to Conversations: Reflections on a Changing Sign Language AI Landscape

Thank you to the European Union of the Deaf (EUD) for bringing these important discussions into the public conversation.

EUD's Linkedin Post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/european-union-of-the-deaf_deafrights-signlanguage-ai-activity-7468595259296497666-_fR2?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAfVDxEBUlYb7g-FMydDz_Dy9BiPrexkXwM

Over the past year, I have devoted a significant amount of time to reading research papers, books, reports, conference presentations, websites, and social media discussions related to sign language AI.

I have followed the work of Deaf organisations, researchers, technology companies, accessibility professionals, conferences, and community leaders across the UK and internationally.

I also created and maintained a database tracking sign language AI developments, research, conferences, funding, technology announcements, and industry news across the UK and internationally. It helped me identify trends, emerging themes, and recurring questions across the sector.

Looking back, many of these conversations felt relatively quiet.

There was investment, development, and growing interest in sign language technology, but discussions around governance, transparency, consent, data rights, and Deaf leadership were often less visible.

The technology was still at an early stage. Questions were being raised about translation quality, sign language data, community involvement, and the role of Deaf people within the wider ecosystem.

Today, the landscape feels different.

There is more investment.

There is more research.

There are more meetings, conferences, workshops, and collaborations.

Most importantly, there is more conversation.

The concerns have been raised.

The questions have been asked.

People are increasingly discussing governance, accountability, community involvement, GDPR, data protection, transparency, and Deaf participation.

Events, conferences, and discussions across the sector have helped bring together Deaf communities, researchers, universities, technology companies, accessibility specialists, policymakers, and investors.

As the sector grows, important questions remain.

• Who owns the data?

• How is consent obtained?

• How is trust built?

• Who benefits?

• Who is represented?

• How are Deaf communities involved in decision-making?

• How transparent are public demonstrations and evaluations of emerging technologies?

AI development is complex and resource-intensive. Organisations are balancing research, partnerships, investment, commercial pressures, sustainability, and long-term growth. As investment increases, conversations about governance, accountability, transparency, and trust become even more important.

I am grateful for my time working with Signly. While Signly is not an AI company, my experience there provided valuable insight into accessibility, innovation, inclusive communication, and the practical challenges of delivering accessible services at scale.

As my own journey continues, I feel I am moving into new pastures.

I remain interested in sign language AI, but I am increasingly interested in helping shape solutions, governance, partnerships, accessibility, and Deaf leadership across a wider range of sectors.

I find myself relying less on my database today than I did a year ago. Not because the issues have disappeared, but because there is now far more public discussion, research, reporting, and awareness than before.

Last year, many concerns were being raised.

Today, those concerns are becoming a topic of conversation.

Tomorrow, I hope we will see even more Deaf leadership, Deaf employment, Deaf ownership, Deaf participation, and meaningful collaboration helping shape the future.

Technology is developing rapidly.

Now, governance, trust, transparency, and leadership must develop alongside it.

The future of sign language AI should not be built only with technology.

It should be built with Deaf communities, not simply for Deaf communities.

#Deaf #BSL #AI #Accessibility #SignLanguage #AIGovernance #DeafLeadership #DigitalInclusion #LanguageRights

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/european-union-of-the-deaf_deafrights-signlanguage-ai-activity-7468595259296497666-_fR2?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAfVDxEBUlYb7g-FMydDz_Dy9BiPrexkXwM

When I saw this recent LinkedIn campaign from the European Union of the Deaf (EUD), it made me reflect on my own journey over the past year following developments in sign language AI. The conversation feels very different today from where it was a year ago.