Apple jumps on inclusivity trend with range of new mobility and disability emojis
To celebrate World Emoji Day on the 17th of July, Apple has announced a range of new emojis that aim to promote inclusivity and diversity, including wheelchairs, a prosthetic arm and a cane.
Following Apple’s proposal to the Unicode Consortium last year to introduce more disability-themed emojis, a new guide dog, an ear with a hearing aid, wheelchairs, a prosthetic arm and a prosthetic leg, and a cane will be available on Apple’s emoji keyboard in autumn.
The emoji additions are designed to promote inclusivity and bridge a significant gap in the emoji keyboard, notes Apple.
This latest emoji update will also feature a range of other fun new additions, including new food, animal and activity items, making a total of fifty-nine new emoji designs available in autumn with a free software update for Apple’s iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch.
It is not the first time Apple has promoted inclusivity across its product range, with the software giant announcing in June that people would be able to use its popular products entirely via voice command. This software update enables people with disabilities to have easier access to Apple’s products.
Other large companies have also made their ranges more accessible and inclusive for disabled people with the topic of disability constantly making headlines.
One such company is furniture giant IKEA, which has launched a range of add-on products that aim to make everyday tasks simpler for disabled people, as well as its announcement of a new range of products aimed at people with disabilities which have been designed in collaboration with physiotherapists.
