Apple is celebrating Accessibility Awareness Day this entire week with new content for Apple lovers of varying abilities. There's a lot to check out this week from Fitness+, Apple Maps, Apple Music, and more. This annual event, tied to Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) on May 19, underscores Apple's long-term commitment to designing products and services that are inclusive by default. The company has historically been a leader in accessibility, integrating features like VoiceOver, Switch Control, and Magnifier into its operating systems. This year's celebration expands on that foundation with fresh offerings across its ecosystem.

Apple's focus on accessibility dates back to its earliest days, with pioneering efforts such as the Apple II's support for assistive technology. In recent years, the company has heavily invested in making its hardware and software more usable for people with disabilities. For instance, iOS and macOS now include a range of built-in tools for vision, hearing, mobility, and cognitive needs. The Accessibility Awareness Day initiative is part of a broader push to not only develop new features but also educate users about existing ones. This week, Apple is highlighting how its products can empower everyone, regardless of ability.

More accessibility within Apple Stores

SignTime, an on-demand sign language service available in Apple Stores, is expanding to Canada on May 19. This service allows customers who are Deaf or hard of hearing to communicate with an interpreter using American Sign Language (ASL). SignTime is already available in the United States using ASL, in the United Kingdom using British Sign Language (BSL), and in France using French Sign Language (LSF). The expansion underscores Apple's commitment to breaking down communication barriers in its retail spaces. The service is available at all Apple Store locations in Canada, including those in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.

In addition to SignTime, Apple Stores around the globe are offering live sessions this week to show customers how to use accessibility features on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. These sessions cover topics such as VoiceOver, Zoom, and AssistiveTouch. Customers can also access how-to content on Apple Support's social media channels, including YouTube and Twitter, where short videos demonstrate essential tips. This educational approach helps users discover features they might not have known about, such as Sound Recognition or Voice Control.

Shortcuts for Mac and Apple Watch

Additionally this week, an Accessibility Assistant shortcut is coming to the Shortcuts app on Mac and Apple Watch. This shortcut helps recommend accessibility features based on a user's preferences. For example, if a user indicates they have difficulty seeing small text, the shortcut might suggest enabling Dynamic Type or VoiceOver. Similarly, users with motor impairments might be guided to options like Switch Control or AssistiveTouch. The shortcut leverages the growing power of Siri and the Shortcuts engine, which has become a central part of Apple's automation strategy. This feature is especially valuable for new users who are unsure which settings can best accommodate their needs.

The introduction of the Accessibility Assistant shortcut is part of Apple's broader effort to make its devices more customizable. The Shortcuts app itself has expanded rapidly since its debut in iOS 12, with millions of users creating automations for daily tasks. By embedding accessibility recommendations into this popular tool, Apple ensures that users can easily find and enable the features they need.

Workouts for wheelchair users

Apple Fitness+ trainer Bakari Williams is using American Sign Language to highlight accessibility features available to all users, such as Audio Hints, which are short descriptive verbal cues designed for blind or low-vision users. Time to Walk episodes are becoming "Time to Walk or Push," while Time to Run episodes are becoming "Time to Run or Push" for wheelchair users. This change reflects Apple's recognition that exercise routines should be inclusive of people who use wheelchairs, whether for daily mobility or sport. The workouts are adapted to include arm movements, cardio pushes, and strength exercises suitable for wheelchair users.

Moreover, Fitness+ trainers will use ASL in every workout and meditation, with all videos featuring closed captioning in six languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Japanese. Trainers also demonstrate modifications for each workout so participants at different fitness levels can join in. For example, a standing lung might be modified to a seated lunge, or a jumping jack might become a seated jack. This approach ensures that no one feels left out, and it aligns with Apple's philosophy that fitness is for everyone.

Apple Fitness+ launched in December 2020 as a subscription service integrated with Apple Watch. It has steadily added new workout types, including Yoga, Cycling, and Dance, as well as mindful cooldowns. The service now includes content for older adults, beginners, and pregnant women. The Accessibility Awareness Day updates further cement Fitness+ as a platform that values inclusivity.

Get outside with Apple Maps

Apple Maps has a new guide titled "Parks Access for All," which helps users find accessible features, programs, and services to explore parks across the United States. This guide was developed in partnership with Gallaudet University, a prominent university for Deaf, Deafblind, and hard of hearing students. Gallaudet, located in Washington, D.C., is the world's only university designed to be barrier-free for Deaf and hard of hearing students. The guide includes information about wheelchair-accessible trails, tactile maps, ASL interpreter availability at visitor centers, and more.

Apple Maps is also featuring businesses that prioritize the Deaf community. This initiative was highlighted by Tim Cook during his commencement address at Gallaudet University in May 2022. In his speech, Cook praised Gallaudet's role in advocating for accessibility and noted Apple's long-standing partnership with the institution. The new guide builds on Apple Maps' recent improvements, including Look Around street-level imagery and enhanced transit directions.

Focus on sounds with Apple Music

Check out "Saylist" playlists on Apple Music, a collection where each playlist focuses on a different sound. This tool is designed for people practicing vocal sounds or working in speech therapy, but anyone can listen. The playlists include categories like vowel sounds, consonant blends, and rhythmic patterns. For example, a "Saylist" might feature recordings of the letter 'M' repeated in different pitches, helping users articulate specific sounds. This feature was developed in collaboration with speech-language pathologists and is available in multiple languages.

Apple Music's involvement in accessibility extends beyond Saylists. The service also offers lossless audio and spatial audio, which benefit users with hearing aids or cochlear implants by providing richer sound quality. Additionally, Apple Music integrates with Made for iPhone hearing aids, allowing direct streaming of music and phone calls.

Additional features

Apple TV+ is featuring popular movies and shows that represent people with disabilities. This includes content like CODA, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2022 and features a primarily Deaf cast, including Marlee Matlin. Also highlighted are Eternals starring Lauren Ridloff (a Deaf actress), and Introducing, Selma Blair, a documentary about the actress living with multiple sclerosis. Collections of these and other titles will be available through the Apple TV app.

The App Store is highlighting accessibility-focused apps and stories from developers who create tools for people with disabilities. For instance, apps like "Seeing AI" and "Be My Eyes" are featured, along with games designed for users with motor or visual impairments. Apple Books has a new collection featuring stories from people with disabilities, including memoirs and fictional works that explore diverse experiences. Apple Podcasts will spotlight episodes focusing on how technology is advancing accessibility, with shows from creators like the Blind Abilities podcast.

Finally, check out Apple's full press release for a comprehensive rundown of how it's celebrating Accessibility Awareness Day this week. The company has also announced upcoming features like Door Detection, Live Captions, and Apple Watch Mirroring, set to arrive later in 2022. These innovations continue Apple's trajectory of integrating accessibility into the core user experience, ensuring that technology serves everyone equally.

Source: 9to5Mac News