1.2.6 Sign Language (Prerecorded)

For many Deaf people, a sign language such as British Sign Language (BSL) or American Sign Language (ASL) is their first language. Written captions, while helpful, require reading a second language. Sign language interpretation provides direct access in a person's primary language.

This is a Level AAA criterion, meaning it goes beyond the legal minimum but represents genuine best practice for organisations serving or communicating with Deaf communities.

Provide a picture-in-picture interpreter on the video, or publish a separate fully signed version of the video alongside the original.

Use qualified interpreters. BSL and ASL are distinct languages with their own grammar and are not interchangeable.

For public-sector organisations, broadcasters, and services with large Deaf audiences, this criterion is particularly important.

• Assuming that captions alone are sufficient for all Deaf users
• Using machine-generated or avatar-based sign language without quality review from the Deaf community