Xbox and Sorenson Provide American Sign Language Services on Twitch Channel

Written by Brandon Hofer on May 20, 2022

News: Microsoft and Sorenson have teamed up to add more accessibility to the official Xbox Twitch channel.

Every day, the Xbox team streams on their Twitch channel. Now, in partnership with Sorenson, the world’s leading provider of inclusive communication services for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people, Xbox has launched a new channel – Xbox ASL – that features American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation for original live streams.

The partnership delivers gaming to a larger audience as well as first-looks, specific tips, interviews, and strategies to Deaf gamers – in their natural language – to support their gaming craft and winning. For Xbox, it’s an opportunity to spotlight classic and indie games that never received captioning.

“Gaming with Twitch is a very communal experience for fans and gamers as celebrities. With ASL interpretation, Deaf gamers can join and fully participate in that community,” notes Lance Pickett, Sorenson Chief Relationship Officer, who is Deaf. “Seeing ourselves in all aspects of life and across all industries gives us equal grounds to compete!”

The announcement came on Global Accessibility Awareness Day, dedicated to learning about digital access and the inclusion and support of people with disabilities. Now, for Deaf gamers, digital accessibility support in gaming includes ASL.

Currently, the ASL Xbox channel provides sign language interpretation for approximately 25 hours of live streams each week.

“As a company known for revolutionizing communication access via technology, we offer huge kudos to Xbox. Gaming is an open community, and we are proud to partner with any opportunity that provides Deaf gamers with improved experiences through direct engagement and ASL accessibility. We urge others within and beyond the industry to follow,” said Jorge Rodriguez, CEO of Sorenson, which interprets more than 140 million conversations each year and remains the industry leader in accessible communications, services, and technology for Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities throughout the U.S., U.K., and Canada. Sorenson's services include ASL interpretation for Teams, events, live streams, and Video on Demand needs.

“We are excited to partner with Sorenson and bring the power of play to even more people with the new Xbox ASL Twitch channel,” shared Anita Mortaloni, Director of Accessibility at Xbox. “At Xbox, we understand the importance of continuing to innovate when it comes to accessibility, and this partnership with Sorenson is another step toward ensuring everyone can experience the joys and connection of gaming.”

What do you think about this announcement? Tell us in the comments section below.