Apple introduces SignTime, more accessibility features for people with disabilities

Terry Collins, USA TODAY
·3 min read

Apple is introducing a slew of software features – some touchless – all designed to make using iPhones, Apple Watches and iPads devices easier for people with disabilities.

SignTime, which will be available for deaf or hard of hearing customers Thursday, lets customers communicate with AppleCare and other retail customer services by using American Sign Language (ASL) in the USA, British Sign Language (BSL) in the United Kingdom and French Sign Language (LSF) in France through their web browsers.

Customers visiting Apple Stores in those countries can use SignTime to remotely access a sign language interpreter without booking one ahead of time. The feature will roll out to other countries soon, Apple said.

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Apple's new SignTime feature allows deaf or hard of hearing users to better reach AppleCare and other retail customer services by using sign language.
Apple's new SignTime feature allows deaf or hard of hearing users to better reach AppleCare and other retail customer services by using sign language.

Thursday, Today at Apple will offer live virtual sessions in ASL, BSL and VoiceOver.

Also coming this year for Apple Watch users is AssistiveTouch, which will allow those with "upper body limb differences" to use WatchOS without having to touch the display or controls by using certain hand gestures, including clenching or pinching. AssistiveTouch will help users easily answer incoming calls, control an onscreen motion pointer and access the notification and control centers, Apple said.

AssistiveTouch works by using built-in motion sensors like the gyroscope and accelerometer, along with the optical heart rate sensor and on-device machine learning, Apple said, adding that the watch is able to detect subtle differences in muscle movement and tendon activity.

For example, Apple Watch users can navigate a cursor on the display through a series of the aforementioned hand gestures. Users can answer a phone call by double-clenching their watch hand, and they can activate the watch's Motion Pointer by simply shaking their hand.

The Cupertino, California-based tech giant's announcement of these new features arrives before the 10th annual Global Accessibility Awareness Day on Thursday, which focuses on promoting digital access and inclusion for more than 1 billion people worldwide living with disabilities and impairments.

“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,” said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director of global accessibility policy and initiatives.

More Apple updates coming for those with disabilities

Some of the Apple software features for those with disabilities coming this year:

  • iPad users will have more access to third-party eye-tracking devices that make it possible for them to control their iPad just by using their eyes.

  • New Made for iPhone bi-directional hearing aids with microphones that will help those who are hearing- impaired have hands-free iPhone and FaceTime conversations.

  • New background sounds to help minimize distractions and allow users to focus, stay calm or get some rest.

  • More updates to VoiceOver, a screen-reader for the blind and low-vision communities. This includes more details about what's in an image. For example, if there's a photo of a man standing next to a car, users can find out whether the man has a beard or if he's wearing a cap, as well as the color, make and model of the car, Apple said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Apple introduces SignTime, new features for people with disabilities