Sprint opened a store using American Sign Language interpretation tech in DC

Sprint has opened a new storefront in D.C. that’s equipped with American Sign Language interpretation tech.

The communications services corporation strategically put the new store near Gallaudet University, a private higher ed institution that teaches people who are deaf and hard of hearing, and those who desire to communicate with them.

.@Sprint Offers American Sign Language Video Interpreting at Washington D.C. Store. This new pilot program aims to expand efforts for deaf and hard of hearing customers https://t.co/rJfgXGkV0K pic.twitter.com/R7jzTWljpd

— T-Mobile Newsroom (@tmobilenews) October 10, 2019

The new store has a video remote interpreter that leverages Sprint’s video remote interpreting app. The ASL interpretation tech can assist customers in-store with service transactions like new phone activations, service upgrades or changes and users can even ask the interpreter questions. Users are able to send their requests through the app, and the ASL video interpreter will then voice those requests to an employee in the store for further assistance if need be.

This effort is a part of Sprint Accessibility, a department within Sprint that focuses on providing accessibility services.

“We are proud to offer a solution that is inclusive to our customers who are deaf or hard of hearing,” said Mike Ellis, director of Sprint Accessibility, in a statement. “By eliminating challenging situations that ASL users may experience — like having to pass notes back and forth to communicate — we are able to provide our ASL-using customers with a better overall in-store experience.”

This initiative is part of a six-month pilot program only available at the Metro Center Store located at 615 12th St. NW.