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Online accessibility often highlights tools like screen readers or video captions, but the experience of deaf people reading written content is less widely discussed. Many assume that text creates no barriers, since it is visual like sign language. In practice, the relationship between written English and sign language is far more complex.
For members of the deaf community who use sign language as their first language, written English often functions as a second language. The grammar and structure of sign language do not match English, which means reading can require extra effort. What looks like simple text to a hearing reader can feel dense and unfamiliar to a deaf reader.
Understanding these differences is critical for inclusion and staying accessible. Relying only on text risks excluding people from essential information and services. Exploring why this barrier exists and how technology and good practice can address it is the first step toward meaningful accessibility.
Why Do Deaf People Struggle With Reading?
British Sign Language (BSL), American Sign Language (ASL), and other national sign languages are complete languages with their own grammar and syntax. They are not manual versions of English. For deaf people who learn sign language first, written English becomes a second language that often requires translation.
For example, ASL structures sentences by placing the topic first, then describing the action. English uses subject-verb-object order. Translating between these systems while reading takes additional effort and can slow comprehension.
Investing in role-based training helps organisations understand these differences and adapt communication effectively.
What Are the Barriers to Communication With a Deaf Person?
Barriers are varied and depend on context. Common obstacles include:
Lack of sign language interpretation in essential services
Complex or jargon-heavy written English that is harder to process
Missing or inaccurate captioning on video content
Environments designed entirely for spoken communication
Each of these reduces access and increases the effort required to engage fully. Organisations can address these challenges more effectively by carrying out regular accessibility audits and inclusive user testing.
Do Deaf People Prefer Sign Language Over Written Text?
Comfort with written English depends on factors like upbringing and education. Some deaf people are skilled readers, especially those exposed to English from an early age. Others find sign language far more intuitive because it aligns with their natural grammar and expression.
A frequent question is how many deaf people use sign language in the UK? Figures vary widely across countries, but Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) estimates that there are 25,000 people who use sign language as their main language across the UK. In many signing households, it remains the primary mode of communication.
How Technology Helps Deaf People Access Written Content
Technology is playing an important role in closing the gap between written English and sign language. New tools give deaf people more choice in how they engage with online information, whether through embedded interpreters, AI-driven solutions, or sign language videos.
Signly and Embedded Interpreters
Signly enables websites to offer embedded sign language translations. Visitors highlight the text they want explained, and an on-screen avatar signs the content in real time.
AI-Powered Sign Language Avatars
AI-driven avatars are being developed to generate automatic translations of written content into sign language. While still improving in accuracy, they offer a scalable option where human interpreters are unavailable.
Video Translations in Sign Language
More organisations are providing content in video form using national sign languages. Government websites and e-commerce platforms increasingly adopt this method to ensure information is accessible without relying on written English.
How to Communicate With a Deaf Person in Writing
Clear writing practices improve accessibility. Effective methods include:
Using plain English without idioms
Keeping sentences short and focused
Organising content with headings for easier navigation
For many deaf people, these adjustments make written communication far easier to follow. Organisations that invest in cultural change can embed these practices into everyday communication.
How to Improve Communication With a Deaf Person
Accessibility is strengthened by combining clear writing with practical steps, such as:
Offering multiple formats, including sign language videos and captioned audio
Learning basic sign language for direct interactions
Maintaining eye contact and avoiding side conversations during in-person communication
Involving deaf users in the design and testing of services
Each measure reduces barriers and shows respect for sign language as a primary language.
Why Is Sign Language Important for Deaf People?
Sign language provides direct and complete access to meaning for those who use it as their first language. Unlike written English, it does not require translation or adaptation. Offering information in sign language ensures inclusion and removes the additional effort of processing a second language.
More insight on this can be found in our guide to web accessibility for blind and deaf users.
Why Accessibility for Deaf People Matters
Digital platforms play a central role in healthcare, education, commerce, and government. If these spaces are only built around written English, many deaf people face exclusion. Missed appointments, failed transactions, or overlooked deadlines are not just inconveniences; they are barriers to equal participation.
Accessibility must be intentional. Designing with the needs of the deaf community in mind ensures digital spaces are equitable and inclusive.
Learn how to embed accessibility into your organisation through governance and management.
Final Thoughts
Accessibility for deaf people requires more than written English. Sign language for deaf people is a fully developed language that must be recognised and supported in digital environments. Tools such as Signly, AI avatars, and video-based translations already exist, but progress depends on organisations committing to implement them.
Those looking to create genuinely inclusive services should act now. Start today by running your website through our Accessibility Scanner to identify hidden barriers, then explore strategies and tailored support with Arc Inclusion.