Access to Words

Enabling our customers to serve 4 millions adults who prefer alternatives to written English: Sign Language, Easy-Read, Spoken Word, Accessible Type, Global

[Access to Words @AccessToWords]

Make your customer comms accessible to everyone, for £1.
🙌 Sign Language
🗨 Spoken Word
🆎 Readable Font
📖 Easy-Read
🌍 World Languages

Accessibility at scale, from Access to Words.
https://t.co/EhjLcHR3oA

Alt: £1 coin spinning on a white table, eventually comes to rest.

[Access to Words @AccessToWords]

Day 1 of #SurgTech2025 #Leeds with the @NIHRresearch . Looking forward to discovering advances in #DigitalInclusion

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@MedConnectNorth @NHSEngland This year's event is focused on #ArtificialInteligence in medical technology and digital health. We are proud to be here, and thrilled with the interest we have received from medical professionals looking to maximise patient outcomes.

[Access to Words @AccessToWords]

We are very excited to be at @MedConnectNorth today in #Durham showing our digital inclusion tech to translate written words in #SignLanguage, #EasyRead, spoken words and international languages for @NHSEngland

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@DarrenNeilAdams Hi Darren, where are you based?

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28% would prefer a sign language translation over written content. 3% of the d/Deaf professionals asked, including DeafBlind people, want information to be spoken.

[Access to Words @AccessToWords]

We conducted research to discover how d/Deaf professionals prefer to consume information.

Do you prefer sign language to written words? The original content or spoken words? Tell us your preference and we'll reveal the results of our study in the comments.

[Access to Words @AccessToWords]

When needing to take in information that was authored in English, 52% want the original content as written words. 16% prefer to consume an easy-read version.

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d/Deaf professionals are often amongst the most complete and widely-read people. Some read more than people with hearing, even though for many they are not reading in their first language!

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Hope you enjoyed the #SignLanguageWeek posts.

What is the AI tool for D/deaf people?
We're proud to be the leader, and excited to see the positive impact our techno is having.

https://t.co/rVRISof3o0

#deaf #signlanguage #bsl

Alt: Cassie signing "Deaf" in British Sign Language

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Are AI sign language translators as good as humans?
Think of them as an alternative to English captions, not an substitute for a human sign language translator,

https://t.co/an15pjrnsO

#SignLanguageWeek

Alt: Artificial intelligence sign language translator called Cassie.

[Access to Words @AccessToWords]

.@elonmusk asked "What’s the point of sign language in a video if you have subtitles? Am I missing something?"
Yes, Elon, you are.
https://t.co/U2dRmNos3C

#SignLanguageWeek #BSL #communication

Alt: BSL for "read" or "reading", performed by the AI sign language avatar Cassie.

[Access to Words @AccessToWords]

BSL and ASL are from different language families - ASL is much more closely related to French sign language #LSF #LangueDesSignesFrançaise than it is to BSL.

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You may know that #AmericanSignLanguage and #BritishSignLanguage are different languages. How well might a #BSL user understand #ASL?
https://t.co/Ehwi3VKV1S

#SignLanguageWeek
Alt: "Important" in BSL, signed by Cassie, the AI sign language translator.

[Access to Words @AccessToWords]

What technologies can help D/deaf people?

There’s a range of technology helping D/deaf people, including:
- AI Sign Language Translation
- Easy-Read Translation
- Video Calling and Messaging
https://t.co/lskAqdjXJM

#SignLanguageWeek
Alt: Cassie, the AI BSL translator.

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For long sessions, such as conferences, you will probably want to double-up on the number of sign language interpreters.

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How much does a #BSL interpreter cost?
Qualified BSL interpreter rates typically range from £30 to £70 per hour.

https://t.co/plxqYR5VKA

Alt: "Money" in BSL, signed by Cassie, the AI sign language avatar.

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Keep in mind that sign language interpretation is widely considered to be just about the most cognitively intense profession there is, with interpreters typically working 20 minutes at a time, followed by much-needed break.

[Access to Words @AccessToWords]

What are British Sign Language proficiency levels? What happens at Level 5?

https://t.co/HWG9DxWNUh

#SignLanguageWeek #BSL #BritshSignLanguage #SLW2024 #Deaf #Accessibility

Alt: Cassie the AI sign language translator signing "Demonstration" in BSL.

[Access to Words @AccessToWords]

There is a chronic global shortage of sign language interpreters and translators. In the UK, there are fewer than a 1,000 - not enough to fill even 1% of demand.
If you're looking to start a new career, please give it serious consideration.

Visit @NRCPD https://t.co/njzZnp0ZU8

[Access to Words @AccessToWords]

How long does it take to be a sign language interpreter?
A dedicated learner takes from 5 to 7 years to become a fluent and competent interpreter.

https://t.co/nGn38iNhmj

#SignLanguage #SignLanguageWeek #BSL

Alt: Sign language avatar Cassie signing "Difficult"