Apple Introduces New Accessibility Features for Cognitive, Vision, and Speech Impairments

Apple’s relentless pursuit of inclusivity can be summed up by its collaboration with community groups representing a diverse range of users suffering from disabilities. Apple’s new updates that are expected to come out later this year will come with new accessibility features for cognitive, vision, and speech impairments.

Users having disabilities will greatly benefit from these new features as these features will make iPhones and iPads much easier to use. In this guide, you will get to know more about Apple introducing new accessibility features for cognitive, vision, and speech impairments.

Apple brings new accessibility features for people with disabilities

Apple is revolutionizing the way people with speech disorders communicate. The latest updates from the tech giant reveal some remarkable features that aim to enhance and enable communication for millions of users with speech difficulties worldwide.

These game-changing features include a wide range of technologies such as text-to-speech, voice recognition, and more. With these tools, Apple is making it easier than ever before for those who struggle with speech disorders to express themselves clearly and confidently in their everyday lives.

Introducing Live Speech and Personal Voice

Apple has recognized the challenges commonly faced by non-speaking individuals and those who are at risk of losing their ability to speak. For addressing that, the Live Speech feature will enable users to type their messages, which are spoken aloud during FaceTime conversations, phone calls, and in-person discussions. This breakthrough feature, available on iPhone, Mac, iPad, and more accommodate millions of people who aren’t able to speak or have experienced speech loss.

Another exciting innovation is Personal Voice, a secure and user-friendly solution for individuals who are at risk of losing their ability to speak. By recording 15 minutes of audio through a number of text prompts, users will be able to create a synthesized voice that sounds like their own. Personal Voice will seamlessly integrate with Live Speech, allowing the users to communicate with their unique synthesized voice when connecting with others.

Innovation for Vision Impairments: Point and Speak

For users having vision disabilities, Apple has introduced Point and Speak in the Magnifier app. This feature leverages the camera, LiDAR Scanner, and on-device machine learning to identify and rear text labels aloud on physical objects such as household appliances. Point and Speak will empower individuals with vision impairments to interact with their surroundings confidently, resulting in greater independence and convenience.

Enhancements for Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Users

Moreover, Apple has also offered new accessibility features to improve the user experience for individuals with disabilities. Deaf or hard-of-hearing users will be able to pair Made for iPhone hearing devices with their Macbook and customize them for optimal comfort. Voice Control includes phonetic suggestions for text editing, helping the users to rely on voice input. The Switch Control will allow users having physical and motor disabilities to transform any switch into a virtual game controller, offering an inclusive gaming experience. Apple has further improved Text Size adjustment across various Mac apps for users having low vision.