🚨 Ofsted, AI, and Accessibility: Where’s the Sign Language?
- Tim Scannell
- Jun 30
- 2 min read
Ofsted says it won’t directly inspect AI tools but will assess how they’re managed if staff or students are using them. Their new report shows AI being used in schools and colleges to support SEND students, plan lessons, and write reports. But some are facing issues: misuse, unclear boundaries, and safeguarding risks.
👀 But what about universities?
Many students and staff have told me that AI-related decisions like using Zoom, Teams, or AI in exams often sit with senior leadership. So, who’s inspecting those decisions? And where’s the ethical framework for Sign Language and AI?
💬 Last Friday, I was invited by Jisc to present my talk:🎤 "Bridging Science: AI, BSL, and Inclusive Communication."
We discussed the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the European Accessibility Act (EAA), which takes effect in June 2025.
But let’s be honest:👉 Sign Language is still not meaningfully included in most digital standards.
🤖 Where AI Helps — and Where It Shouldn’t:
✅ AI could improve Access to Work (ATW) administration. I’ve had ATW since 2004 but still have to explain everything every time. A new case manager asked to video call just to ask about my hearing aids. (I'm profoundly Deaf. They could’ve checked my history instead of doubting me. It felt like they questioned my identity.)
❌ But AI must not replace BSL interpreters. BSL interpreters understand Deaf linguistics, culture, grammar, and dialects. AI can replicate that. Ever.
📣 So let’s ask the real questions:
Are we building inclusive systems or just using AI for convenience?
Who’s responsible for digital accessibility in universities and public services?
Why are Deaf professionals still fighting for basic recognition and access?
🧠 AI is powerful but without Deaf leadership, ethics, and language access, it becomes just another gatekeeper.
We need AI with us, not instead of us.
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