Animation is becoming more accessible due to a project which has been spearheaded by Edinburgh Napier University Lecturer, Jonathan Mortimer. Mortimer, who recognised a gap in accessibility surrounding animation, visual effects, and gaming, leads the community project, Animsign. The project aims to gather words from the world of animation that don’t currently have a specific BSL sign and create their own sign in BSL.
Through attendance at industry events and an Animsign pilot, the project was able to pinpoint 74 terms which needed a new sign. Now, Jon is inviting members of the deaf community, educators and animation and games professionals who are interested in being involved with Animsign to reach out, and work towards developing a BSL glossary of animation and gaming terminology.
The hope is that by having a wider dictionary of BSL signs, that it could open new career opportunities to those 70 million sign language users worldwide. Animsign will create a bridge between the animation and the deaf community, through making the process of learning animation more inclusive.
By developing a standardised BSL glossary for animation and gaming, Animsign works to break down barriers that exist in creative industries. Prior to this development, Deaf individuals with an interest in this industry had faced challenges with training and education. Ultimately, this project not only fosters accessibility but also encourages greater diversity within these fields.
As Animsign continues to expand, the hope is that more professionals, educators, and members of the deaf community will contribute to the development of this crucial glossary. Indeed, through this collaboration, animation and gaming are made more accessible and inclusive, something which will enable future generations of deaf creatives to pursue their passion for the arts and gaming.
Ultimately, the Animsign Project represents a significant step forward. Through a commitment to building on the BSL glossary, the project helps to build the communication barrier for those deaf creatives in the technology industry. Animsign has the power to revolutionise the gaming industry by creating a more welcoming environment in which all creatives have equal opportunities.