Apple is celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) this entire week with a wide range of new content, features, and services designed to make its ecosystem more inclusive for people of all abilities. From Fitness+ to Apple Maps, Apple Music, and beyond, the company is emphasizing its commitment to accessibility. This year’s initiatives build on Apple’s long-standing history of embedding accessibility into its products, such as VoiceOver, Switch Control, and Magnifier, which have become gold standards in the tech industry.
Global Accessibility Awareness Day, observed on the third Thursday of May, aims to get everyone talking, thinking, and learning about digital access and inclusion. Apple has consistently used this occasion to unveil new tools and highlight existing ones. In 2022, the company is rolling out a host of updates that cater to users with varying disabilities, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, blind or low-vision, and physically disabled.
SignTime expands to Canada
One of the most notable announcements is the expansion of SignTime, an on-demand sign language interpretation service, to Canada beginning May 19. SignTime allows customers to communicate with Apple Store and Apple Support staff via a sign language interpreter using American Sign Language (ASL). The service first launched in the United States with ASL, in the United Kingdom with British Sign Language (BSL), and in France with French Sign Language (LSF). By adding Canada, Apple is extending real-time accessibility to a new market, ensuring that Deaf and hard of hearing customers can interact with the company in their preferred language.
SignTime is available through the Apple Store app, website, or in-store sessions. It represents a significant step in breaking down communication barriers. Apple has also trained its retail staff to be more aware of accessibility needs, and the company actively works with Deaf organizations to refine these services.
Live sessions and social media content
Throughout the week, Apple Stores around the globe are hosting live sessions to educate customers on how to use accessibility features on their iPhones, iPads, and Macs. These sessions cover essentials like VoiceOver, AssistiveTouch, Closed Captions, and Sound Recognition. The how-to content is also being shared on Apple Support’s social media channels, including Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, making it accessible to a broader audience.
These sessions are part of Apple’s broader “Today at Apple” program, which regularly offers creative and educational workshops. For Accessibility Awareness Week, the focus is squarely on empowering users to customize their devices for their specific needs.
New Shortcuts for Mac and Apple Watch
Apple is also introducing an Accessibility Assistant shortcut for the Shortcuts app on Mac and Apple Watch. This intelligent shortcut recommends accessibility features based on a user’s preferences and usage patterns. For example, if a user frequently struggles with small text, the shortcut might suggest enabling Zoom or Larger Text. If the user has difficulty with fine motor tasks, it could recommend AssistiveTouch or Voice Control.
Shortcuts have become a powerful tool for automation, and adding an accessibility-focused assistant makes it easier for users to discover and enable features they might not know about. This aligns with Apple’s philosophy of making accessibility settings intuitive and proactive.
Fitness+ updates for wheelchair users and beyond
Apple Fitness+ is receiving several accessibility-focused updates. Trainer Bakari Williams is now incorporating ASL into his workouts to illustrate accessibility features such as Audio Hints—short descriptive verbal cues that benefit blind or low-vision users. Additionally, the popular Time to Walk and Time to Run episodes are being renamed “Time to Walk or Push” and “Time to Run or Push,” explicitly welcoming wheelchair users. These episodes feature inspiring stories from notable figures and now include audio descriptions for those with visual impairments.
All Fitness+ workouts and meditations will now feature trainers using ASL, and every video includes closed captioning in six languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Japanese. Moreover, trainers demonstrate modifications for each exercise, ensuring that users of all fitness levels can participate. These changes reflect Apple’s focus on universal design, making movement accessible to everyone regardless of ability.
Apple Maps: Parks Access for All
Apple Maps has launched a new guide titled “Parks Access for All,” which helps users discover accessible features, programs, and services in U.S. national and state parks. The guide was created in partnership with Gallaudet University, a leading institution for Deaf, Deafblind, and hard of hearing students. It includes information about wheelchair-friendly trails, audio-guided tours, ASL-interpreted programs, and more.
Apple Maps is also highlighting businesses that prioritize the Deaf community, a theme that Apple CEO Tim Cook touched upon during his commencement address at Gallaudet University last week. This initiative not only supports inclusive travel but also promotes economic opportunities for Deaf-owned businesses.
Apple Music: Saylist playlists
On Apple Music, a new collection of playlists called “Saylist” focuses on different sounds. Each playlist is curated around a specific sound element—like the rustling of leaves, rain, or urban ambience. While originally designed for users practicing vocal sounds or engaged in speech therapy, anyone can enjoy these calming soundscapes. This addition shows how accessibility features can have broad appeal.
Apple TV+ and App Store highlights
Apple TV+ is spotlighting movies and shows that feature characters and stories representing people with disabilities. A dedicated collection includes acclaimed works like CODA starring Marlee Matlin, Eternals with Lauren Ridloff, and Introducing, Selma Blair. These selections amplify the voices of disabled actors and storytellers.
The App Store is highlighting accessibility-focused apps, along with developer stories behind them. Apple Books offers a new collection of literature by and about people with disabilities, while Apple Podcasts features episodes on how technology is advancing accessibility. These efforts create a cohesive narrative across Apple’s services.
Additional forthcoming features
In addition to this week’s events, Apple previewed several new accessibility features coming later in 2022. These include Door Detection for people with visual impairments, which uses the camera and LiDAR sensor to help users identify doorways, read signs, and navigate indoor spaces. Live Captions will allow users to follow audio content in real time on calls, media, and even face-to-face conversations. Apple Watch Mirroring will enable users to control the watch remotely from an iPhone, assisting those with limited mobility. Other features include VoiceOver improvements, Buddy Controller (allowing two game controllers to act as one), and Sound Recognition for the HomePod.
These innovations continue Apple’s tradition of integrating accessibility into the core of its operating systems. For instance, Apple was the first tech company to include a screen reader (VoiceOver) on a touchscreen device, and it has since added features like Headphone Accommodations and Apple Watch fall detection.
Apple’s efforts extend beyond software. The company works with disability advocacy groups, conducts user testing with people of varying abilities, and designs retail stores with accessibility in mind. Apple’s commitment to accessibility is not a one-week campaign but a year-round priority, as evidenced by its annual Accessibility Awards and inclusion in product design.
For those eager to explore the full scope of this week’s activities and upcoming features, Apple has published a detailed press release on its website. The company encourages everyone to try out the new offerings, visit an Apple Store for a live session, or simply explore the accessibility settings on their devices.
Source: 9to5Mac News