Photo: Postmodern Studio (Shutterstock)
For most people who face trouble with their Apple products, getting help is fairly easy: Call Apple support, describe your issue, and get it fixed. However, that’s not necessarily an option for those who live with hearing difficulties. If that’s you, you may not be aware you can use sign language to contact Apple for help: The free Apple support service SignTime connects you directly with a sign language interpreter on a video call.
This is a boon for people with hearing difficulties, as Apple’s sign language interpreters are trained to understand technical terms and issues specific to the company’s products. It means you’ll spend less time trying to explain your problem so the interpreter can get to the root of the issue faster.
Which languages does SignTime support?
At the time of writing, SignTime supports the following languages:
American Sign Language (ASL)British Sign Language (BSL)French Sign Language (LSF)How to use SignTime
When you’re ready to talk to one of Apple’s sign language interpreters, visit the SignTime website for your region to get started. The websites are as follows:
Screenshot: Pranay Parab
Click the blue Connect with interpreter button to get started. The website will ask for access to your camera and microphone, and automatically connect you with the interpreter. Once you’ve described the issue to your interpreter, they will contact Apple support for you and relay the information you’ve provided. Your solutions will be relayed back to to you in sign language as well.
How to meet with Apple’s sign language interpreters in person
Apple also allows you to request for a sign language interpreter to be present when you visit one of their retail stores. To get started, head to Apple’s retail store page to make an appointment. Click the page for the store you want to visit and scroll down to the section labelled How can we help you? The last link should be Request an in-person sign language interpreter. This link will allow you to send an email to that Apple store to make your service request directly. You’ll be given an appointment time once they confirm the availability of the interpreter. The in-person sign language interpreter will be made available free of charge for you, according to the Apple’s website. (Apple notes that you can also go to its stores and contact sign language interpreters via a video call.)
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