It’s a well know fact that Apple focuses a lot on accessibility while developing their products, which is a key differentiator from other companies. Apple firmly believes that accessibility is a human right, and that all products should be accessible and easy to use by anyone, and we totally agree with their approach. Over the years, Apple has developed amazing features with every version on iOS.
in advance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Apple has released a new accessibility short film that aims to raise awareness of new innovations in accessibility while sharing the authentic experiences of people with vision, hearing, mobility or cognitive disabilities.
This video follows the journey of 7 people as they go about their days, creating art, spending time with family and going to work or school. Each individual operates with a mastery of Apple’s suite of accessibility features, which in turn allow them to remove barriers and move through the world with more independence and confidence.
A few of the features you see in the film include: Detection Mode allows blind or low vision users to navigate doors, objects and people in their environment. Sound Recognition alerts those who are Deaf or hard of hearing to a range of sounds including a baby’s cry or a doorbell. Voice Control opens up new ways to operate Apple devices through voice alone. And AssistiveTouch creates more possibilities to engage with technology for those with upper-body limb differences.
Full list of features in the film:
Vision accessibility features:
• VoiceOver on iPhone
• Magnifier, Door Detection, and Image Descriptions on iPhone
• Zoom used with Logic on Mac
Mobility accessibility features:
• AssistiveTouch on iPhone
• Voice Control on iPhone
• Alternate pointer controls on Mac, including head tracking & facial expressions
Hearing accessibility features:
• Sound Recognition on iPhone, with an Apple Watch notification
Cognitive accessibility features:
• Spoken Content on iPad
Additional Apple features:
• Siri, HomeKit, CarPlay, Apple Maps, iPhone Camera, and Apple Watch Camera Remote
Full accessibility features are available in four of videos here.
The Music
The track “I am the Greatest” by Spinifex Gum uses lyrics derived from the speeches of Muhammad Ali, an icon for empowerment and self-determination.
Rooted in a recital of Ali’s iconic words, performed by the all-female, all-Indigenous Australian musical collective Marliya Choir, and produced by Spinifex Gum, the version of the song in the film soundtrack also features musical contributions from cast members – with improvisations from Julliard-trained jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker to additional production from self-described “disabled disco innovator” Cola Boyy, who are both featured prominently in the film.
