Dear OpenAI Team,
My name is Claire Brown, and I am a Deaf user who communicates through British Sign Language (BSL). I’m writing this message because I believe AI—especially ChatGPT—has the potential to be a powerful support for Deaf people, but there are significant accessibility gaps that make it feel out of reach for many in the Deaf community.
Most AI platforms focus on voice interaction or high-level English text. But many Deaf people in the UK and around the world use sign language as their first language and often struggle with the complexity of written English, especially at academic or professional levels. For example, English can have different tiers—basic, intermediate, and advanced—and many Deaf users are only fluent at the basic level due to the way we access language growing up. This creates an unintentional barrier when AIs respond with advanced vocabulary or long, structured responses that feel confusing or overwhelming.
Some Deaf people might try to ask AI a question, receive a complex answer, and give up thinking, “Maybe this isn’t made for me.” I know Deaf people who feel left out because they see hearing people having full conversations with AI using voice, while there’s no visual sign-based support for us. It can feel like we’re always behind the era—like Deaf people are not invited to participate in this future.
I believe Deaf access to AI shouldn’t be limited to just reading text. One day, AIs should be able to communicate through sign language—even basic BSL, with visual gestures and simplified explanations. This isn’t just about interpreting language. It’s about helping Deaf users feel seen, understood, and supported in a way that respects their communication style.
I’m very patient when people truly try to sign with me, because I know we’ll get there. I believe AI could be the same kind of support—patient, adaptive, and inclusive. Not every Deaf person has access to interpreters. Not every Deaf person can afford BSL courses. But they do want to learn, grow, and access help—just like everyone else.
Please consider making Deaf accessibility a core part of your design as you continue developing AI. I would love to help in any way I can.
Sincerely,
Claire Brown
Deaf User & BSL Communicator