10153864AIRS: Redefining Accessibility Through On-Demand Real-Time Sign Language TranslationClosedBusiness ConnectInnovate UKSign-AIRS is a technology startup dedicated to addressing translation and accessibility challenges faced by the Deaf community. In collaboration with Love Language, a leading UK interpretation services provider, this project explores the translation barriers Deaf individuals encounter when accessing vital services such as healthcare, banking, and education. By engaging directly with Deaf users, sign language interpreters, and stakeholder organisations, the project aims to lay the groundwork for an innovative solution that removes existing translation, interpretation, and process gaps to foster greater inclusion. The consortium comprises experts from the deaf services and interpreting industries. Between them, they have pioneered British Sign Language (BSL) inclusion in UK retail and online environments and specialise in consultancy on deaf equality and inclusion. Their initiatives span in-person interpreting services, in-vision interpreting for media, and BSL and Deaf Cultural training, promoting equitable customer journeys between Deaf and hearing communities. This project places Deaf people, sign language interpreters, and hearing stakeholders at the heart of its research. It will focus on identifying problems in existing technologies, such as gloss-based AI tools that struggle with regional dialects, grammar, and accuracy. By exploring inclusive, real-time communication solutions, the research aims to influence and inform the development of AIRS - an accessible and accurate real-time translation platform for Deaf and hearing users. Sign-AIRS does not intend to replace interpreters but to develop synergistic AI-human interpreting models, increasing interpreting service capacity and safeguarding interpreter rights and wages. Deeply respecting the co-dependent relationship between interpreters, Deaf individuals, and Children of Deaf Adults (CODAs), Sign-AIRS advocates for government and corporate policies that ensure sustainable budgets for interpreter costs. The project seeks to create a supportive system that strengthens ties between interpreters, Deaf individuals, and their allies. The lived experiences of the Sign-AIRS founders, a close-knit team of Deaf and hearing individuals, are central to this initiative. Their personal insights inform a deep understanding of real-world accessibility challenges, ensuring the project authentically addresses the needs and aspirations of its future users. This innovative project aims to improve accessibility, promote inclusion, and strengthen community ties. Sign-AIRS also aligns with the BSL Act 2022 and the Equality Act 2010 goals, advancing a more inclusive society where greater accessibility benefits everyone.