Why Tiny BSL Screens Aren’t Enough: The Need for Practical, Deaf-Led Accessibility in Stations

Recent images circulating online show multiple departure screens in a busy railway station, each with a very small BSL interpreter placed in the lower corner. At first glance, this looks like progress — visual access finally being included alongside spoken announcements.

But when we look closer, it becomes clear why this approach isn’t working for many Deaf travellers.

The Real-World Visibility Problem

In controlled environments, a small interpreter window may seem acceptable.In a busy station, however:

• The screens are mounted high above eye level

• Bright lighting creates glare

• Crowds block the lower part of the displays

• The interpreter window is too small to follow from a distance

• Travellers cannot stand still for long periods just to watch updates

The result is that the feature, although well-intentioned, becomes almost impossible to use in practice.

This isn’t a criticism of the idea — it’s a reminder that accessibility must function in real conditions, not only in design documents.

Why Deaf Consultation Matters

Deaf travellers understand the realities of navigating stations. Without their input, accessibility decisions often miss critical factors such as:

• Viewing angles

• Information hierarchy

• Mobility through crowded spaces

• Competing visual noise

• How long can a Deaf person reasonably watch a fixed point

Meaningful consultation helps ensure every feature has practical value, not just symbolic presence.

Practical Solutions That Work Better

Instead of relying on high-mounted screens to deliver essential information, stations can adopt a blended, user-centred approach:

1. Clear, consistent visual information

Accurate text-based updates remain essential for all passengers — Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing.

2. Real-time mobile updates

Delivering BSL translations directly to phones ensures information is:

• Visible

• Personalised

• Accessible anywhere in the station

3. Vibration alerts via smartphone or smartwatch

Urgent updates — such as platform changes — should trigger a vibration so passengers never miss key information.

4. Easy-reach QR codes

Placed at entrances, ticket machines, help points, and platforms, allowing travellers to instantly open a BSL version of updates even on a borrowed phone.

5. One-tap access to a live BSL interpreter

AI cannot yet handle two-way conversations. A simple button enabling instant contact with a human interpreter provides genuine communication support for ticket queries, disruptions, or staff interactions.

Accessibility Is About Function, Not Appearance

Adding a small interpreter window to a large departure board is a gesture — but not a practical solution. Real accessibility should focus on usability, independence, and clarity.

With thoughtful design and Deaf-led input, stations can move from symbolic accessibility to meaningful, effective solutions that support real journeys in real environments.