Snapchat is adding new devices to support Bitmoji avatars, including hearing aids and more

Snapchat is adding new assistive devices for Bitmoji avatars to expand representation options for users. Now users can add a hearing aid in different colors and choose whether they want to wear it in one ear or both. Snapchat has also added a selection of its most popular Bitmoji stickers featuring a cane-toting avatar. Users can now also select wheelchair poses for their Bitmoji avatars.

Last year, the company released stickers featuring a manual wheelchair after listening to user feedback. Snap says these stickers have been shared more than 30 million times and that it has received additional feedback from people who wanted to see themselves in more parts of Snapchat.

“Bitmoji’s mission is to be the avatar of the world, which also means we want to make sure all of our communities are reflected in our products,” the company said in a blog post. “This is at the heart of our work when designing new products and features, which is why we prioritize the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and accessibility to improve the experience of all Snapchat users on our platform.”

Snap says users should update the app to the latest version to access the new assistive device options.

The launch comes shortly after Snapchat announced it was rolling out Alphabet’s new ASL Lens, which aims to encourage users to start learning American Sign Language. The new AR lens will teach users to finger write their name and practice the ASL alphabet. Lens also includes games that users can play to test their ASL knowledge.