Department for Education: Sign Language
Question
Jen Craft
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps (a) her Department and (b) its public bodies are taking to (i) develop and (ii) use artificial intelligence approaches to British Sign Language.
Answer
Olivia BaileyThe department's internal AI team have recently begun the process of looking at the development of AI solutions that can enhance accessibility for British Sign Language (BSL).
We are assessing available tools and looking to adapt them to fit the identified needs. Our aim is to ensure equitable access and compliance with the BSL Act 2022. We will be taking a phased approach to demonstrate value, and aim to position the department as a leader in inclusive, AI-driven education.
There are opportunities to use AI to accelerate the creation of accessible content across public services. If public bodies trial the use of AI in approaches to BSL, they would be required to conform with both Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and the Service Standard, and must conduct research with disabled people, including Deaf users and, where appropriate to the service provision, those who use sign language or a sign language interpreter to interact with the service.