SignTime: Apple's software for people with disabilities
Apple's new software is already available in some countries, such as the UK, France, and the USA. SignTime will facilitate communication between the brand and users with some type of disability (motor, cognitive, visual or hearing).
The company's desire is to make the use of its products increasingly accessible—because it believes that this is a right for every human being. The new service allows users to contact a sign language specialist whenever necessary.
A personalized and inclusive service
Apple has presented several initiatives over the last few months, such as the Find My technology and the Energy Farm. With SignTime, the company not only wants to reach more people, but the right people.
Through this software, people with any of the disabilities mentioned will be able to get more personalized help. The service allows contacting AppleCare, among other customer support services the company offers.
For now, the available support depends on the country where SignTime can (already) be used. At the moment, the following forms of communication are available:
- American Sign Language (ASL);
- British Sign Language (BSL);
- French Sign Language (LSF).
Apple wants to extend the service to more countries, making it available in other languages as well. For now, users can use English and French to get help.
This help is available directly in the browser. For this reason, it can be requested on any mobile device, such as the iPhone or the iPad (in addition to any computer).
Technology as an ally
In addition to launching innovative products and services, Apple is now investing in much closer and more personalized customer support. To do this, it uses the technology at its disposal to create SignTime.
According to Sarah Herrlinger, this is a priority for the company. "At Apple, we have long felt that the best technology in the world should meet the needs of everyone, and our teams work tirelessly to build accessibility into everything we do."
Apple's Senior Director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives thus reinforces the urgency of communication that effectively reaches everyone. And SignTime is here to help.