Apple is celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day this entire week with a range of new content and features designed to make its products more inclusive for users of all abilities. The company has announced updates across Fitness+, Apple Maps, Apple Music, Shortcuts, and more, along with special events in Apple Stores worldwide. Here is a detailed look at everything Apple has unveiled for Accessibility Awareness Day 2022.
More accessibility within Apple Stores
SignTime, Apple’s on-demand sign language interpretation service, is expanding to Canada on May 19. The service allows customers to communicate with an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter during visits to Apple Store or when contacting Apple Support. SignTime was 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). Canada will support both ASL and Langue des Signes Québécoise (LSQ), reflecting the country’s bilingual heritage. The expansion underscores Apple’s commitment to breaking down communication barriers for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
Throughout this week, Apple Stores around the globe are hosting live sessions to demonstrate how customers can use built-in accessibility features on iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. These sessions cover features like VoiceOver, Magnifier, Switch Control, and Sound Recognition. For those unable to attend in person, Apple Support is sharing how-to content on social media platforms.
Shortcuts for Mac and Apple Watch
Apple is introducing a new Accessibility Assistant shortcut for the Shortcuts app on Mac and Apple Watch. This shortcut asks users a series of questions about their preferences and challenges, then recommends relevant accessibility settings — such as larger text, reduce transparency, or AssistiveTouch. It is designed to help users discover features they may not know exist, making setup more intuitive. The shortcut is being rolled out as part of this week’s celebration and is expected to become a permanent addition.
Workouts for wheelchair users
Apple Fitness+ is rolling out several updates to ensure workouts are more inclusive. Trainer Bakari Williams is now using ASL in his workout introductions to highlight accessibility features like Audio Hints, which provide short descriptive cues for blind or low-vision users. The popular Time to Walk and Time to Run audio experiences are being renamed to “Time to Walk or Push” and “Time to Run or Push,” explicitly welcoming wheelchair users. Additionally, every Fitness+ workout and meditation will now include ASL interpretation, and all videos will feature closed captioning in six languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Brazilian Portuguese. Trainers are also demonstrating modifications throughout each session so users at different fitness levels can follow along comfortably.
Get outside with Apple Maps
Apple Maps has introduced a new guide called “Parks Access for All,” which helps users find accessible features, programs, and services when exploring parks in the United States. The guide was created in partnership with Gallaudet University, a premier institution for Deaf, Deafblind, and hard-of-hearing students. It highlights trails with accessible surfaces, parking with van-accessible spaces, and visitor centers equipped with induction loops or ASL interpretation. Additionally, Apple Maps is now featuring businesses that prioritize the Deaf community — a topic CEO Tim Cook addressed during his commencement speech at Gallaudet University earlier in May.
Focus on sounds with Apple Music
Apple Music is launching “Saylist” playlists, a collection where each playlist focuses on a different sound — such as vowels, consonants, or environmental sounds. While these playlists are designed for people practicing vocal sounds or undergoing speech therapy, they are open to everyone. They provide a unique listening experience that can also benefit music appreciation and language learning.
Additional features across Apple services
Apple TV+ is curating a collection of movies and shows that authentically represent people with disabilities, featuring actors like Marlee Matlin from CODA, Lauren Ridloff from Eternals, and Selma Blair from Introducing, Selma Blair. The App Store is highlighting accessibility-focused apps and developer stories, while Apple Books has a new collection of stories by and about people with disabilities. Apple Podcasts is spotlighting episodes that explore how technology is advancing accessibility.
For a full rundown of all the announcements, Apple has published a press release detailing the week’s activities. The company continues to demonstrate its long-standing commitment to accessibility, which has been a core design principle since the earliest days of the Mac. This year’s initiatives build on features announced earlier, including Door Detection, Live Captions, and Apple Watch Mirroring, which are slated for later releases.
Source: 9to5Mac News