True Inclusion Starts Here: Introducing the BSL Digital Application

Our journey with L.B. Foster began with a groundbreaking project for ASDA superstores developing the UK’s first retail digital signage solution featuring British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters. 

This wasn’t just a technical achievement; it was a bold statement of our commitment to inclusive and meaningful digital experiences.

The original BSL signage concept has now been scaled across the UK rail network using L.B. Foster’s inform technology—transforming accessibility for deaf passengers nationwide. This solution converts live train movement data into BSL videos, ensuring vital travel information is available in a visual-first format.

L.B. Foster’s work was recently recognised in the Railway Industry Association’s report, The Journey to Equality: Creating a Railway for All, which highlights supplier-led innovations that improve accessibility for disabled passengers. Inform BSL screens, first deployed with TransPennine Express (TPE), have become a benchmark for inclusive communication in transport. From Manchester Airport to award-winning Welcome Points across the network, these innovations are designed with input from accessibility groups and passenger bodies. Features include wheelchair-friendly interfaces and assistive technology for visually impaired users—making independent travel more achievable than ever.

Digital displays with British Sign Language have already shaken up UK transport, but why stop there? From retail to healthcare, embedding BSL into signage is how bold organisations build truly inclusive spaces, amplify deaf voices, and flip the script on customer experience. 

The Age of True Inclusion Begins: These Industries Are Ready to Evolve

Retail Stores

• Store Navigation & Promotions: BSL-enabled screens can guide customers through store layouts, highlight promotions, and explain loyalty schemes.

• Customer Service Points: Interactive kiosks with BSL support can help deaf shoppers access assistance, return items, or understand store policies without relying on staff availability.

• Emergency Alerts: In-store safety announcements can be instantly translated into BSL, ensuring all customers receive critical information.

Healthcare: Accessible Patient Communication

• Reception & Check-In: BSL displays at hospital and clinic entrances can explain procedures, direct patients to departments, and simplify registration.

• Waiting Areas: Real-time updates and health education content in BSL can reduce anxiety and improve understanding for deaf patients.

• Pharmacies: Medication instructions and side-effect warnings can be presented in BSL to ensure safe usage.

Hospitality: Welcoming All Guests

• Hotel Lobbies: BSL signage can explain check-in processes, amenities, and emergency procedures.

• Restaurants & Cafés: Menus, allergen information, and ordering instructions can be displayed in BSL to enhance dining experiences.

• Event Venues: BSL-enabled wayfinding and schedule updates can make conferences, weddings, and performances more inclusive.

Education: Empowering Deaf Learners

• Campus Navigation: BSL screens can help students find classrooms, libraries, and support services.

• Digital Noticeboards: Announcements, timetables, and extracurricular updates can be made accessible to deaf students.

• Interactive Learning: BSL content on smartboards and e-learning platforms can support inclusive teaching.

Travel & Tourism: Seamless Journeys

• Airports & Bus Stations: BSL displays can provide real-time travel updates, gate changes, and boarding instructions.

• Tourist Attractions: Museums, galleries, and heritage sites can offer BSL-guided tours and exhibit explanations.

• Cruise Ships & Resorts: Onboard schedules, safety briefings, and entertainment guides can be translated into BSL.

Bring BSL to life with jaw-dropping holographic displays and unleash your own branded SmartV Digital Avatar. Why settle for static when you can go full sci-fi? Dive into the future of communication and discover how holograms can electrify any object into a living, breathing experience. Click here to explore the tech that’s rewriting reality.

Inclusion isn’t optional anymore. Ready to lead the change? Speak to our team of British Sign Language integration experts today.