Apple Unveils New Features for Enhanced Cognitive Accessibility
Apple recently introduced a range of innovative software features aimed at improving cognitive, speech, and vision accessibility. These updates, set to be released later this year, leverage advancements in hardware and software, incorporate on-device machine learning for enhanced user privacy, and reinforce Apple’s longstanding commitment to inclusive product design.
Collaboration with Disability Communities Drives Innovation
According to the company, Apple works closely with community groups representing diverse users with disabilities to develop impactful accessibility features. As a result of this collaboration, several new features will empower individuals with cognitive disabilities, nonverbal communication needs, and the risk of losing their ability to speak. These features include Assistive Access, Live Speech, Personal Voice, and Point and Speak in Magnifier, catering to a wide range of accessibility requirements.
Assistive Access Supports Users with Cognitive Disabilities
Assistive Access is a groundbreaking feature that simplifies app interfaces to reduce cognitive load, enabling users with cognitive disabilities to interact more easily with their iPhone and iPad. The feature focuses on essential activities such as connecting with loved ones, capturing and enjoying photos, and listening to music. Moreover, Assistive Access includes tailored experiences for various apps, featuring high contrast buttons, large text labels, and customizable layouts, catering to individual preferences.
Live Speech and Personal Voice Advance Speech Accessibility
The Live Speech feature allows users to type messages that are then spoken aloud during phone and FaceTime calls, as well as in-person conversations. It serves millions of individuals globally who are unable to speak or have gradually lost their speech. Additionally, Personal Voice provides a simple and secure method for creating a synthesized voice that closely resembles the user’s own voice. This feature benefits those at risk of losing their ability to speak, including individuals with conditions like ALS, enabling them to maintain a familiar voice when communicating with loved ones.
Detection Mode in Magnifier Introduces Point and Speak for Users with Vision Impairments
The Point and Speak feature in Magnifier enhances accessibility for users who are blind or have low vision when interacting with objects containing text labels, such as household appliances. By leveraging the device’s camera, LiDAR scanner, and on-device machine learning, Point and Speak identifies and announces the text on buttons or keypads, facilitating seamless interaction with physical objects.
Apple’s Commitment to Accessibility
Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, emphasizes the company’s belief that technology should be inclusive and accessible to all. Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives, highlights that these groundbreaking features were developed in collaboration with disability communities, ensuring they meet a wide range of user needs and enable new forms of connection.
Celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day
In honor of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Apple said it is introducing new features, curated collections, and informative sessions to promote accessibility. These initiatives include the launch of SignTime in additional countries, informative sessions at select Apple Store locations, and the inclusion of accessibility-focused content across various Apple platforms.
Ongoing Accessibility Enhancements
The company states, that it will continue to expand accessibility across its product lineup. Additional features include direct pairing of Made for iPhone hearing devices with Mac, phonetic suggestions in Voice Control for text editing, virtual game controller capabilities for Switch Control, improved Text Size adjustment across Mac apps, and automatic pausing of moving images for users sensitive to rapid animations. VoiceOver users also benefit from natural-sounding Siri voices and customizable speech rates.
Apple’s Vision and Mission
With a team of over 100,000 employees worldwide, Apple states it remains committed to creating the best products while leaving a positive impact on the world. Its software platforms, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, provide seamless experiences across all devices, accompanied by services like the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, and iCloud.
Technical Details and Availability
Personal Voice can be created using iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices equipped with Apple silicon and will initially be available in English. Point and Speak will be supported on iPhone and iPad devices featuring the LiDAR Scanner and will support multiple languages, including English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Cantonese, Korean, Japanese, and Ukrainian. Made for iPhone hearing devices can be paired directly with select Mac devices equipped with the M1 chip, and future Mac devices with the M2 chip will also offer compatibility. Voice Control phonetic suggestions will be accessible in English, Spanish, French, and German. SignTime sessions, which connect customers with sign language interpreters, are available in multiple sign languages across various countries.
Promoting Accessibility Awareness To commemorate Global Accessibility
Awareness Day, Apple is launching a series of initiatives. These include the expansion of SignTime to additional countries, informative sessions at Apple Store locations, and special events such as the Today at Apple session featuring sign language performer and interpreter Justina Miles. Apple platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Apple TV, Apple Books, and Apple Music will feature content that highlights the impact of accessible technology and celebrates the disability community.
Spotlight on Disability Community Leaders
As part of its commitment to inclusivity, the App Store will shine a spotlight on three disability community leaders—Aloysius Gan, Jordyn Zimmerman, and Bradley Heaven. These individuals will share their personal experiences as nonspeaking individuals and discuss the transformative effects of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) apps in their lives.
Apple’s Continuous Efforts
Apple’s continuous efforts to enhance accessibility demonstrate its dedication to ensuring that technology is accessible to all individuals. By collaborating closely with disability communities and incorporating their feedback, Apple creates features that have a real impact on people’s lives. With the introduction of Assistive Access, Live Speech, Personal Voice, and Point and Speak in Magnifier, Apple opens doors to greater independence, communication, and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
source: Apple
DELTA Data Protection & Compliance, Inc. Academy & Consulting – The DELTA NEWS – Visit: delta-compliance.com
