Inform BSL Messaging

The Challenge

In the UK, over 12 million people live with hearing loss, equating to one in five adults who are deaf, have hearing impairment, or experience tinnitus.   

People who are born deaf have significantly different life experiences from those people who experience hearing loss at a later stage in their life. Most can't rely on reading to navigate transport systems and rely on British Sign Language (BSL) and other communication strategies. BSL has been recognised as the UK's fourth official language since 2003.  

Deaf passengers face challenges when travelling, as they may not understand announcements made over the public address system or read signs and printed materials—making it challenging to stay informed about changes to their travel plans or find their way around.

The Solution

The system uses a pre-determined library of recorded videos that can be streamed instantly. Giving Deaf passengers access to the latest information in their preferred language, even during last-minute changes or disruptions. 
The library is made up of recorded videos that the station can stream instantly, including:  

• disruption notices 

• delay and cancellation notices 

• engineering works 

• safety notices 

• slips and trips 

• security information 

• emergency fire and evacuation 

The Future

In the future, Inform BSL Messaging will also use AI-driven translations to provide more accurate and up-to-date information and support for different sign languages. 

In addition to the rail sector, Inform BSL Messaging has the potential to be used in other transport sectors, such as aviation and bus. This would make it even more accessible to Deaf passengers and help break down travel barriers.