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Tag: accessibility

  • ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’: Why AI Accessibility Demands Deaf Leadership

    Author's Note

    This article was originally published on DeafDots on June 5, 2026.

    As the original author, I am republishing it here on my personal blog to make the content accessible to my audience and to continue the conversation around artificial intelligence, accessibility, and Deaf leadership.

    Original publication details:

    Title: "Nothing About Us Without Us: Why AI Accessibility Demands Deaf Leadership"

    Author: Jordan Sangalang, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

    Originally published by DeafDots on June 5, 2026.

    The article below appears substantially as originally published, with only minor formatting adjustments made for this website.

    By Jordan Sangalang, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

    As artificial intelligence rapidly embeds itself into Canadian infrastructure—influencing everything from automated workplace tools to emergency alert systems—advocates warn that a major digital divide is forming. Without deliberate intervention, the technology risks leaving behind millions of disabled Canadians.

    Jeffrey Beatty, Chairperson of the Deaf Wireless Canada Consultative Committee (DWCC), is stepping forward to outline the immense opportunities and steep systemic risks AI introduces to the daily lives of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (DDBHH) Canadians.

    Speaking strictly from a public accessibility policy perspective, Beatty emphasizes that the rise of AI is fundamentally shifting the landscape of human rights and communication access.

    “For Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Canadians, this is not just a technology issue,” Beatty states. “It is an accessibility, language, and rights issue.”

    A Tool for Efficiency, Not an Authority

    In his daily policy and advocacy work, Beatty actively leverages AI tools. He uses them to process large quantities of public information concerning telecommunications, regulatory captioning requirements, and digital services.

    “They help me organize information, summarize long documents, improve writing clarity, prepare notes, and compare complex public information,” Beatty explains. He views the technology as a valuable asset for parsing dense, multi-layered regulatory frameworks.

    However, Beatty is quick to draw a hard line between a tool that assists human capability and one that replaces it.

    “I do not treat AI as the final authority. AI can make mistakes, miss context, or give information that sounds confident but is wrong. AI supports the work. It does not replace DDBHH people.”

    For Beatty, the final judgment on any policy piece must remain rooted in human expertise, community accountability, and the lived realities of the DDBHH community.

    The Limitations of Text and Audio-Centric Design

    While text-generation models can streamline administrative tasks or translate complex legalese into plain language, Beatty notes that current mainstream AI design suffers from a deep-seated auditory bias.

    “My biggest concern is that many AI tools are still built around hearing people, speech, audio, and written English,” Beatty says. This structural bias means that users of American Sign Language (ASL), Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ), and Indigenous Sign Languages (ISLs) are frequently excluded or fundamentally misunderstood by modern algorithms.

    True communication access extends far beyond basic English text transcription. Sign languages are distinct, complete languages featuring complex spatial structures and cultural nuances.

    “Many Deaf people use ASL, LSQ, or ISLs which include visual grammar, facial expression, movement, space, and culture. AI tools must respect that,” Beatty says. He notes that poorly trained models regularly generate inaccurate captions, broken translations, or digital avatars that completely fail to replicate real sign language syntax.

    Furthermore, Beatty highlights serious emerging risks regarding data sovereignty, consent, and safety. Because sign languages are inherently visual, training AI translation tools requires vast amounts of video data—raising critical concerns about personal privacy, digital identity ownership, and the targeted misuse of deepfake technology.

    A Vision for Deaf-Led Governance

    To prevent these technologies from further marginalizing communities, Beatty calls for a complete overhaul of how accessibility is handled in tech development. Historically, accessibility features have been treated as an afterthought—tacked onto a product right before release.

    Beatty argues that the DDBHH community must be structurally integrated into the entire lifecycle of AI development, moving from passive consumers to systemic leaders.

    “In the future, I hope DDBHH Canadians are not only users of AI,” Beatty shares. “We should be leaders, testers, researchers, educators, policy advisors, and decision-makers.”

    The ultimate goal is to see AI safely deployed to improve automated captioning accuracy, strengthen localized emergency communications, and lower barriers to public services—but strictly under a framework of cultural respect and Deaf-led governance.

    “My hope is simple,” says Beatty. “AI should not speak for DDBHH people. AI should support DDBHH people, with DDBHH leadership built in from the start.”

    Watch the full video interview below to hear Jeffrey Beatty’s complete perspective on AI policy and accessibility in Canada:

    Play Video Interview.
    Note: Video will pop up when pressing ‘Play’

    Have Your Say

    How is artificial intelligence affecting your daily access to services, employment, or education? Should the Canadian government mandate disabled and Deaf leadership when setting national AI accessibility standards?

    Leave your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.

    About This Article

    This article was originally reported and written by Jordan Sangalang and first published by DeafDots on June 5, 2026. It is republished here by the author to support ongoing discussions about AI accessibility, Deaf leadership, and inclusive technology policy in Canada.

  • Protecting Kids Online

    Why the Conversation About Social Media and Youth Needs More Nuance

    Canada is taking a significant step toward addressing online safety for children.

    This week, the federal government is tabling legislation that would ban social media platforms from allowing Canadian children under the age of 16 to create and maintain accounts. Under the proposed online safety bill, technology companies could apply for exemptions if they can demonstrate that their platforms meet strict safety standards designed to protect young users.

    The legislation would also establish new responsibilities for AI chatbots, requiring safeguards and accountability measures to reduce potential harms to children and youth. The proposal comes after years of advocacy from child safety organizations and growing concerns about cyberbullying, online exploitation, harmful content, and the impact of social media on youth mental health.

    The conversation is not limited to Ottawa. Here in Manitoba, Premier Wab Kinew has also expressed support for restricting social media access for children under 16, reflecting a broader national discussion about how best to protect young people in an increasingly digital world.

    As a parent, I understand why governments are paying attention.

    Every day, children interact with platforms designed by some of the most sophisticated technology companies in the world. These companies invest billions of dollars into creating products that keep users engaged, scrolling, watching, clicking, and returning. Parents often feel as though they are competing against systems specifically designed to capture and hold their children’s attention.

    There is no question that online safety deserves serious attention.

    But as a Deaf parent raising Deaf children, I believe there is another side of this conversation that deserves equal consideration.

    The Internet Was More Than Entertainment for Me

    When I was growing up, the internet was not simply a source of entertainment.

    It was a gateway to a world that often felt out of reach.

    As a Deaf youth living in Winnipeg, my opportunities to connect with other Deaf peers were naturally limited. While Winnipeg has a strong Deaf community, it is considerably smaller than those found in larger cities such as Toronto or Vancouver. The reality was that there were only so many Deaf youth my age that I could meet and interact with locally.

    The internet changed that.

    Long before smartphones and today’s social media platforms, I spent countless hours in chatrooms, instant messaging services, and early social networking websites such as AIM, MySpace, Friendster, and AsianAvenue.

    Those platforms gave me opportunities that extended far beyond socializing.

    They helped me improve my literacy and English communication skills. They exposed me to pop culture, current events, and trends happening outside of Winnipeg. They allowed me to participate in conversations with people from different backgrounds and experiences. Most importantly, they connected me with friends across Canada and the United States.

    Those interactions helped build my confidence and gave me a stronger sense of belonging in a world that often felt inaccessible.

    Looking back, those online connections played a meaningful role in my personal growth and development.

    What About Deaf Children Today?

    This is why I believe we need to be careful when discussing blanket restrictions on social media access for young people.

    For many Deaf children living in rural communities or areas with limited resources, online platforms can serve a much larger purpose than entertainment or casual socializing.

    They can be critical tools for identity development, language access, peer connection, mentorship, and community building.

    Imagine being a Deaf child living in a small town where you are the only Deaf student in your school. You may rarely, if ever, have the opportunity to interact with another Deaf child your age. You may not have easy access to Deaf role models, mentors, or a larger Deaf community.

    Online communities can help bridge that gap.

    They can provide opportunities to connect with other Deaf youth, learn from Deaf adults, explore Deaf culture, access information, and develop a stronger sense of identity and belonging.

    For some children, these online spaces are not simply optional social networks. They are lifelines to a broader community that may not exist in their immediate environment.

    That reality should be part of the conversation.

    The Problem Isn’t Simply Access

    At the heart of this debate is a larger question.

    Is the issue that children have access to social media?

    Or is the issue that social media platforms have not done enough to create safe environments for children?

    I believe the answer is the latter.

    Technology companies control the algorithms that determine what content children see. They design the features that encourage prolonged engagement. They decide how recommendations work, how safety tools are implemented, and how harmful content is moderated.

    Parents certainly have a responsibility to guide and monitor their children’s online experiences.

    But it should not be the sole responsibility of parents to outsmart systems intentionally designed to maximize engagement.

    When policymakers discuss protecting children online, accountability should not rest entirely on families.

    Technology companies must also be held accountable for the products they create.

    What Real Protection Should Look Like

    If social media companies want exemptions under Canada’s proposed legislation, the standards should be meaningful.

    Success should not be measured solely by whether a platform can verify a user’s age.

    Success should be measured by outcomes.

    Are children safer?

    Are cyberbullying rates decreasing?

    Are harmful content recommendations being reduced?

    Are vulnerable youth being protected from exploitation?

    Are platforms designing products that prioritize wellbeing instead of engagement at all costs?

    These are the questions that matter.

    A social media ban may sound protective, but if children easily find ways around restrictions while harmful platform designs remain unchanged, we have not solved the underlying problem.

    The goal should be to make online spaces safer, not simply harder to access.

    A Balanced Approach

    I support efforts to protect children online.

    As a parent, I want my children to be safe from harmful content, cyberbullying, exploitation, and addictive platform designs.

    At the same time, I do not want us to overlook the positive role that online communities can play, particularly for children who face barriers to communication, connection, and belonging.

    For Deaf youth, online platforms can provide opportunities that may not exist locally. They can foster friendships, build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and connect children to communities that help shape their identity.

    As Canadians debate the future of social media regulation, I hope we avoid framing this issue as a simple choice between unrestricted access and outright bans.

    The real challenge is creating digital environments that are both safe and meaningful.

    Protecting children online is important. But true protection requires more than legislation alone. It requires technology companies to take responsibility for the environments they create, policymakers to consider the diverse needs of young people, and parents to remain engaged in their children’s digital lives.

    As a Deaf parent, I want my children to have the same opportunities for connection, learning, and growth that helped shape my own journey.

    The challenge before us is finding a way to preserve those opportunities while ensuring that children can explore the online world safely.

    That is a goal worth pursuing.

  • Behind the Scenes of a Solo Deaf Freelancer

    Behind the Scenes of a Solo Deaf Freelancer

    Working Alone in the Studio

    As a solo Deaf freelancer translating documents, videos, and content into ASL, the work can feel a little lonesome—especially when I’m holed up in my studio with just the lights and camera on me.

    After filming, I rewatch myself to make sure everything is clear and accurate. Then it’s off to the laptop, where I transfer the videos and open Final Cut Pro to trim, edit, and polish.

    Depending on the client’s request, I might:

    • Replace the background
    • Adjust colors
    • Tweak the lighting so I don’t appear to be “glowing”

    Once the video looks good, I upload it to the cloud, send the client the download link, and attach my invoice.

    Ta-da. Done. Then I wait—knowing payday is coming. Of course, if needed, I’ll do a redo. I take pride in my work and always aim to deliver my best.

    Collaboration and Valuable Feedback

    Sometimes projects require a bigger team, especially when the video will be widely published. That often means bringing in an ASL reviewer, who ensures clarity, accuracy, and correct sign choices before giving the final approval.

    Working with different reviewers and coaches has given me feedback I never received before—and it’s been invaluable.

    One big lesson: my facial expressions (NMS). I realized they sometimes unintentionally changed the meaning of messages. It was a habit I hadn’t noticed, but now I know how much it impacts clarity.

    I’ve also partnered with professional video editors, who shared tips to improve my technical setup. For example, one pointed out the shadows in my background. Since my home studio is small, removing shadows meant moving closer to the camera—but that also limited my signing space.

    Technical Breakthroughs

    Recently, I made a major discovery: manual camera settings beat Auto White Balance every time.

    Shadows in the background had been causing my camera to constantly readjust, which changed my skin tone throughout recordings. This created editing nightmares—especially with green screen effects.

    Switching to manual settings was a game changer.

    Lighting was another upgrade. At first, I used bright LED lights to minimize shadows, but they reflected too much on the green screen. Following a client’s video editor’s advice, I switched to softer lighting.

    The results?

    • A more natural on-camera look
    • Easier editing
    • A stronger presence as “the talent”

    The Ongoing Journey

    As a solo Deaf translator, there’s always something new to learn.

    Being coachable, professional, and open to feedback has been the key to:

    • Delivering higher-quality work
    • Strengthening client relationships
    • Building long-term collaborations

    What I value most is working with others who share the passion for making projects accessible in ASL with high-quality videos and translations.

    Building a Business From Home

    If you’re looking to build something from home, translation services are just one path. Personally, I also work in:

    • High-ticket sales
    • Coaching and mentorship
    • Health and wellness products
    • Sign language interpreting services

    And if translations aren’t your thing? You can still create a business by selling products or offering services people already use and need.

    Let’s Connect

    If this is something you’re interested in, comment below or send me a message. I’d love to connect and learn more about your goals!

    Lightning photoshoot studio

  • My Focus Now: Health, Income, Impact & Inclusion

    If you caught my last post, you know I’ve recently made a pivot—and I’m leaning into something that feels more aligned than ever before. I wanted to share what that looks like and what you can expect from me moving forward as I focus on four key areas: health, income, impact, and inclusion.

    These aren’t just buzzwords for me—they’re the foundation for how I live, work, and support others.

    🧠 Health: The Foundation of It All

    As we get older, our priorities shift—and for many of us, health becomes one of the biggest ones. I’ve noticed more people becoming health-conscious, paying closer attention to what they eat, how they move, and what they allow into their bodies. And yet, I still see people unknowingly consuming products loaded with toxins, plastics, and acidic compounds that compromise their immune system and create environments in the body where harmful bacteria and parasites thrive.

    The worst part? So many people feel tired or off and think it’s just normal. But it’s not. These subtle but persistent symptoms are often a result of toxic overload—something that’s preventable with the right awareness and choices.

    One of the things I’m passionate about is helping people choose better—for their bodies, their homes, and their long-term health.

    💸 Income: Creating Real Solutions with Real Products

    Let’s be honest: we all want more financial breathing room. Whether it’s to travel more, spend time with family, or simply stop living paycheck to paycheck. But instead of selling generic “courses about how to sell a course,” I focus on something real: products that solve real problems.

    I show people how to create multiple streams of income by offering wellness solutions they use and believe in. No fluff. No hype. Just honest, duplicatable steps that start with helping others.

    The truth is: if you’re reading this, you already have what it takes to build online income. The tools are available, and you don’t have to do it alone. What it takes is an open mind, a willingness to learn, and most importantly—action.

    🌍 Impact: When You Align with What You Believe

    For me, the money has never been the main driver—it’s always been the impact. There’s something powerful about using your time and talents to create meaningful change in the lives of others. That could mean introducing someone to a product that helps with their energy, mindset, or health… or simply showing them a new way to create income for their family.

    But to have a lasting impact, it has to mean something to you. It should feel like a mission, a calling—something you’d still talk about even if no one was watching. That’s the kind of purpose that keeps you going when things get hard. That’s what I aim to model, and help others discover too.

    🤝 Inclusion: Accessibility Is Not Optional

    As a Deaf entrepreneur, husband, and dad, I live with a daily understanding of how often things are designed without inclusion in mind. Accessibility—especially for the Deaf community—often comes as an afterthought. But it shouldn’t.

    That’s why part of my work involves creating and advocating for accessible content in ASL and encouraging companies to prioritize interpretation and inclusion as the standard, not the exception.

    My deeper mission is to empower Deaf parents to create freedom on their own terms—freedom of time, location, and finances—without sacrificing access to the tools and resources they need.

    ⸻

    Where I’m Going from Here

    Right now, I’m investing more into email marketing and long-form ASL content—two things that allow me to create lasting value without being stuck on the content creation hamster wheel.

    Email gives me a direct line to connect, educate, and inspire—on my own terms. And I’m experimenting (as I write this!) with what works best. It’s a process of trial and error, but that’s the part I love. It’s flexible, creative, and gives me the freedom to adapt as I go.

    I’m also working on building a video series in American Sign Language to make my content more accessible to the Deaf community. I’m leaning toward hosting it on YouTube—at least for now. My goal is to create a space where others can learn, grow, and connect with content that actually reflects them.

    If you find any of this helpful—or if you’re navigating your own pivot, building something new, or simply want to be part of a community that values health, income, impact, and inclusion—I’d love to connect with you.

    Let’s build something better, together.

    💬 Reach out anytime or drop a comment—I’m just a message away.