Apple launches SignTime at retail from May 20

SignTime enables customers to communicate with AppleCare and Retail Customer Care using Sign Language

Apple is launching a new SignTime service on Thursday, May 20, this will go a really long way to making the company more accessible and marks Global Accessibility Awareness Day.

What is SignTime?

SignTime enables customers to communicate with AppleCare and Retail Customer Care by using American Sign Language (ASL) in the U.S., British Sign Language (BSL) in the UK, or French Sign Language (LSF) in France, right in their web browsers.

Customers visiting Apple Store locations can also use SignTime to remotely access a sign language interpreter without booking ahead of time. SignTime will initially launch in the US, UK, and France, with plans to expand to additional countries in the future.

What Apple said

“At Apple, we’ve long felt that the world’s best technology should respond to everyone’s needs, and our teams work relentlessly to build accessibility into everything we make,” said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives.

“With these new features, we’re pushing the boundaries of innovation with next-generation technologies that bring the fun and function of Apple technology to even more people — and we can’t wait to share them with our users.”

Apple’s accessibility pages should be on everyone’s reading list.

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