Webinar about Artificial Intelligence with Mark Wheatley

Dr. Wheatley’s presentation looks at AI and sign language technology through projects like SignSpeak, StorySign, and SignON, focusing on using AI for real-time translation between British Sign Language (BSL) and English. It highlights how this can improve accessibility while stressing the need to accurately reflect BSL’s culture and language. Challenges include limited data, different signing styles, tokenism, and progress in creating realistic avatars. The presentation calls for ethical practices, working with the Deaf community, and making AI development more inclusive to boost accessibility and awareness.

Mark Wheatley is a Deaf professional and advocate with extensive experience in advancing accessibility and inclusion for the Deaf community. He has a strong background in innovative technologies, particularly AI and sign language. Mark has been involved in projects focusing on cutting-edge developments in technology for the Deaf community. He also serves on the board of directors of Signapse and is set to be actively involved in SignGPT. As the first deaf CEO of the Royal Association for Deaf people (RAD) and a former Executive Director at the European Union of the Deaf (EUD), Mark combines his advocacy passion with his technology expertise to drive transformative change.