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Tim Scannell, Accessibility Consultant:
Enhancing Access for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by Focusing on Sign Language, Digital Accessibility, and Information Access for Everyone.
When AI Looks Impressive, But Accessibility Is Still at Risk
Yesterday, I saw media coverage about AI tools translating ASL in real time. At first, it looked impressive. I can understand why many people would see this as exciting progress. Two sign language professionals stand side by side against a dark blue background. Both wear formal business clothing and ornate Venetian-style masks in white and gold that cover their faces. Their hands are raised in signing positions, creating a strong contrast between human communication and hidde
Tim Scannell
48 minutes ago3 min read
One Year of Watching Sign Language AI: Progress, Pressure, and a Warning Before Boston
Tomorrow, the SLxAI conference in Boston begins. I will not be there. I have teaching work and contracts to honour. But I have spent the past year watching this space closely, writing about it, questioning it, and trying to understand where it is going. Since March 2025 , I have been researching and reflecting on AI and sign language through this blog. Over that time, I have seen some promising ideas, some important discussions, and also some serious warning signs. There is
Tim Scannell
2 days ago4 min read
Still No Subtitles: Deaf Viewers Are Being Shut Out of Live Sport
I’m Deaf. When TNT Sports on Amazon Prime has no subtitles, I am shut out — before the match, during the match, and after the match. No access to the pre-match build-up. No access to live commentary. No access to post-match analysis, interviews, or reaction. I raised this issue by email back in November 2025 . My TNT complaint case reference is 23342785, dated Friday 8 November 2025 . The response at the time confirmed that subtitles were not available on all content. This
Tim Scannell
4 days ago1 min read
AI with Sign Language Must Be Deaf-Led, Independent, and Accountable
A welcome step from WFD This morning, I welcomed the WFD (World Federation of the Deaf) LinkedIn post about its Ad Hoc Group on Artificial Intelligence . I praise WFD for recognising that AI must be approached through human rights, accessibility, inclusion, and sign language perspectives . That is an important step forward. I hope this leads to trusted global leadership and real protection for Deaf communities as AI continues to develop at speed. Looking for country-level act
Tim Scannell
Apr 16 min read
A Voice for Justice: Deaf-Led AI, Independent Ethics, and Hope for Sign Language Futures
After my recent blog, I have been contacted by people beyond the UK asking what lessons should now be learned from AI and sign language. That matters. It tells me this is no longer just a British conversation. People in other countries are watching closely, asking what has happened so far, what has improved, what has not, and whether Deaf communities are truly helping shape these technologies or are still being asked to accept decisions made elsewhere. For me, that leads to t
Tim Scannell
Mar 292 min read
Who Gave Approval for AI with Sign Language?
AI with sign language is moving fast. Accountability is not. Too many claims are appearing in very high numbers. Too many organisations are still avoiding a clear public position. And too often, the discussion seems more focused on protecting AI than protecting people. That is why my question remains simple: Who gave approval for AI with sign language? Alt text: Bold campaign graphic on a dark background. Large white and yellow text says, “AI with sign language is moving fast
Tim Scannell
Mar 243 min read
Who Gave AI Sign Language Approval?
Deaf people spent centuries building language, education, careers, and equal communication. AI companies should not be allowed to reduce that to a one-way system and call it progress. This is the question I keep returning to: who gave AI sign language approval? That question matters because AI sign language is not just a technical experiment. It touches language, identity, culture, education, employment, and human dignity. It affects Deaf children and adults whose lives have
Tim Scannell
Mar 225 min read
AI Can Follow a Speaker. Human Interpreters Follow the Discussion.
Artificial intelligence is developing fast, but live interpreting shows exactly where its limits still are. For prepared speeches, AI-generated sign language can look impressive. It performs best when the language is structured, the content is predictable, and the system operates on clean input. But conferences are rarely that simple. Live panels are unpredictable. Speakers interrupt each other. They react in the moment. They change direction. They overlap. They leave thought
Tim Scannell
Mar 171 min read
Spotted at Crufts: One Missing Letter, Completely Different Meaning
Six days ago, my post reached 28,000 expressions — thank you. I am now sharing it on my Wix blog. The post said: Spotted at Crufts. A useful reminder that software only outputs what it is given.The printing company probably printed exactly what was in the file. In the same way, AI and other software tools can reproduce errors perfectly unless a human stops and checks. One missing letter. Completely different meaning. Proofreading still matters. Alt text: A photo of a large e
Tim Scannell
Mar 132 min read
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