Innovation of the Month: SignGlasses Brings Sign Language and Captions Into View

“If I could just put on glasses and everything was there, captions, interpreting, all of it, that would change everything,” says Dr. Ashley Walker, a Deaf pharmacist, educator, and advocate.

Thanks to SignGlasses, that dream is a little closer.

SignGlasses combines smart glasses with live sign language interpreting, captioning, and pre-recorded media, placing communication access directly in the user’s field of vision. Instead of looking down at a phone, tablet, or screen, a Deaf or hard-of-hearing visitor can see interpretation or captions overlaid on the environment around them.

From an Exhibit Tour to a New Approach to Access

Founded in 2017 at Brigham Young University, SignGlasses emerged from the challenges faced by Deaf individuals during an exhibit tour. Since then, feedback from the Deaf community has driven the pursuit to create a smarter solution that enhances communication access for all. 

The result is a system designed around a simple idea: accessibility should be available where the experience is happening, rather than requiring the visitor to interrupt that experience to access it.

That distinction can be particularly important in museums, attractions, theaters, and other environments where guests are constantly looking around, moving between exhibits, or watching a presentation.

How SignGlasses Works

SignGlasses’ patented technology connects smart glasses to its platform of professional interpreters and captioners.

With the glasses, users can receive live ASL interpretation or captions while continuing to look at their surroundings. The glasses are lightweight and portable, can accommodate prescription lenses, and can stream live interpretation. Pre-recorded media can also be stored on the device and synchronized with an experience without requiring Wi-Fi.

The platform supports two-way communication, allowing Deaf users to sign back and forth with an interpreter, who can also voice for the user when needed.

The Problem It Solves

For venues, providing an interpreter isn’t always as simple as having one available when a guest arrives. Traditional arrangements may require advance scheduling, and interpreters aren’t always available on short notice.

SignGlasses offers a simpler option.

A museum, attraction, theater, or visitor experience can provide smart glasses that allow guests to access interpretation or captions as they move through the experience. 

Options for Destinations

Pricing is customized according to an organization’s needs, and SignGlasses does not currently publish a standard price for its smart-glasses packages or services. 

Reach out to SignGlasses for more information or learn more on their website.