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Apple celebrates Accessibility Awareness Day with Fitness+, live sessions, shortcut suggestions, more

By: Han Black | 17.05.2022, 20:25

Apple is celebrating Accessibility Awareness Day throughout the week, with fresh content for Apple fans of all abilities. This week’s offerings include Apple Music, Apple Maps and Fitness+.

More accessibility in Apple Stores

SignTime, which is an on-demand sign language service in Apple Stores, is coming to Canada on May 19. Apple Support and Apple Store customers can utilize this service to communicate with an interpreter through American Sign Language (ASL). SignTime is already available in the US using ASL, in the UK using British Sign Language (BSL), and France using French Sign Language (LSF).

Apple Stores across the world are hosting live sessions to demonstrate how customers can use accessibility features in their iPhones this week. This how-to video is also available on Apple support ‘s Facebook page.

Shortcuts for Mac and Apple Watch

Additionally this week, an Accessibility Assistant shortcut is coming to the Shortcuts app on Mac and Apple Watch. The shortcut allows users to choose the accessibility feature they prefer.

Workouts for wheelchair users

Bakari Williams,

Apple Fitness+ Trainer uses ASL to emphasize accessibility features that are available for all users. These include Audio Hints which are descriptive verbal cues to assist low-vision or blind users. Time to Walk episodes are becoming “Time to Walk or Push.” Time to Run episodes are becoming “Time to Run or Push” for wheelchair users. Also, Fitness+ trainers will use ASL in every workout and meditation, with all videos featuring closed captioning in six languages. Users of different fitness levels will be able to participate in modifications made by trainers.

Get outside with Apple Maps

Apple Maps has a new guide, Parks Access for All, helping users find accessible features, programs, and services to explore parks in the US. This new guide was made in partnership with Gallaudet University, a prominent university for Deaf, Deafblind, and hard of hearing students. Apple Maps also features businesses who are committed to the Deaf community, something Tim Cook spoke about at Gallaudet’s commencement speech last week.

Focus on sounds with Apple Music

Checkout “Saylist” playlists on Apple Music, a collection where each playlists focuses on a different sound. While this tool is made for someone practicing vocal sounds or working in speech therapy, anyone can listen.

Additional features

Apple TV+ will feature its most popular shows and movies about people with disabilities. There will also be collections of the accessibility community’s well-known actors like Marlee Matlin from CODA, Lauren Ridloff of Eternals, Selma Blair of Introducing, Selma Blair, and more. The App Store is also highlighting accessibility-focused apps as well as stories from developers. Apple Books has a new collection featuring stories from people with disabilities and Apple Podcasts will spotlight ways technology is advancing accessibility.