Apple's new feature underlines a shift in tech design that sees accessibility as a cornerstone, not an afterthought, and serves as a reminder of the importance of designing for all users.
As Katy Schmid, senior director of National Program Initiatives at
The Arc, points out, "The intellectual and developmental disability community is bursting with creativity, but technology often poses physical, visual or knowledge barriers for these individuals. To have a feature that provides a cognitively accessible experience on iPhone or iPad — that means more open doors to education, employment, safety and autonomy. It means broadening worlds and expanding potential."
While Assistive Access was developed for people with cognitive disabilities, its benefits also extend to other users: people with low literacy or those who struggle with technology, for example. Which is, of course, the beauty of universal design and
OMNIBILITY: by considering diverse user needs, brands can lower barriers to access for all.
