From Disability Scoop:
“Apple Launching New
Accessibility Features For Those With Disabilities”
Apple is set to roll out a host
of updates to make its devices even more user-friendly for people with
disabilities. The technology giant said that software updates coming later this
year will include changes “designed for people with mobility, vision, hearing
and cognitive disabilities.”
Apple’s iPad will start
supporting third-party eye-tracking hardware, the company said, allowing
individuals to control the device with their eyes. And, a new background sounds
option is intended to help neurodiverse individuals stay focused and calm by masking
unwanted external noises with the continuous audio of a stream, ocean, rain or
other balanced, bright or dark noises.
The switch control system that
currently offers users alternate ways to control functions on their iPhone or
iPad devices will be expanded to allow for control with sounds like a click,
pop or “ee,” Apple said, giving more options to those who are nonverbal or who
have limited mobility.
Meanwhile, improvements are
coming to Apple’s VoiceOver screen reader to allow users to explore objects
within images. Apple Watch will become more sensitive to muscle movement and
tendon activity to give people with limb differences control over the device
without using touch. And, the company is launching a new service called
SignTime to allow customers to communicate with Apple support and retail
representatives using American Sign Language.
“At Apple, we’ve long felt that
the world’s best technology should respond to everyone’s needs, and our teams
work relentlessly to build accessibility into everything we make,” said Sarah
Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director of global accessibility policy and
initiatives. “With these new features, we’re pushing the boundaries of
innovation with next-generation technologies that bring the fun and function of
Apple technology to even more people — and we can’t wait to share them with our
users.”
^ Making it easier for the
disabled (and the non-disabled) to do everyday things is always a good thing. ^
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