{"id":39419,"date":"2023-05-17T15:47:27","date_gmt":"2023-05-17T19:47:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mjtsai.com\/blog\/?p=39419"},"modified":"2023-05-19T08:25:36","modified_gmt":"2023-05-19T12:25:36","slug":"apples-2023-accessibility-feature-preview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mjtsai.com\/blog\/2023\/05\/17\/apples-2023-accessibility-feature-preview\/","title":{"rendered":"Apple’s 2023 Accessibility Feature Preview"},"content":{"rendered":"

Apple<\/a> (Hacker News<\/a>):<\/p>\n

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Coming later this year, users with cognitive disabilities can use iPhone and iPad with greater ease and independence with Assistive Access; nonspeaking individuals can type to speak during calls and conversations with Live Speech; and those at risk of losing their ability to speak can use Personal Voice to create a synthesized voice that sounds like them for connecting with family and friends. For users who are blind or have low vision, Detection Mode in Magnifier offers Point and Speak, which identifies text users point toward and reads it out loud to help them interact with physical objects such as household appliances.<\/p>\n

[…]<\/p>\n

With Live Speech on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can type what they want to say to have it be spoken out loud during phone and FaceTime calls as well as in-person conversations. Users can also save commonly used phrases to chime in quickly during lively conversation with family, friends, and colleagues. Live Speech has been designed to support millions of people globally who are unable to speak or who have lost their speech over time.<\/p>\n

For users at risk of losing their ability to speak — such as those with a recent diagnosis of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) or other conditions that can progressively impact speaking ability — Personal Voice is a simple and secure way to create a voice that sounds like them.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

Will there be a way to export your Personal Voice so that you aren’t totally reliant on iCloud to preserve it? Many of these users will not be able to just re-record new prompts if something goes wrong or if they need to switch to a different Apple ID.<\/p>\n\n

Emma Roth<\/a> (via Hacker News<\/a>):<\/p>\n

Additionally, Apple is introducing streamlined versions of its core apps as part of a feature called Assistive Access meant to support users with cognitive disabilities. The feature is designed to “distill apps and experiences to their essential features in order to lighten cognitive load.” That includes a combined version of Phone and FaceTime as well as modified versions of the Messages, Camera, Photos, and Music apps that feature high contrast buttons, large text labels, and additional accessibility tools.<\/p>

[…]<\/p>

As an example, Apple says a user can aim their device’s camera at a label, such as a microwave keypad, which the iPhone or iPad will then read aloud as the user moves their finger across each number or setting on the appliance.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n

Shelly Brisbin<\/a>:<\/p>\n

Photos and Music each display their contents in a grid that’s “flatter” in structure than the hierarchical interfaces the standard versions of those apps offer.<\/p>

Assistive Access is the closest Apple has come to an interface designed specifically for people with disabilities or elders—an option that Android has offered via its support for alternative launchers. It will be interesting to see if it’s full-featured enough to not only support users with cognitive disabilities, but also offer a “grandparent-friendly” experience for those trying to choose between and iPhone and an Android phone.<\/p>

[…]<\/p>

Last year’s accessibility preview featured a handful of enhancements for hearing aid owners who use an iPhone. This year, Apple says support for Made for iPhone Hearing Aids<\/a> is coming to the Mac. That’s been a long time coming. You’ll need an M1 or better Mac to make the connection, though.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n

Previously:<\/p>\n