Apple gets inclusive with raft of new disability emojis

To celebrate World Emoji Day on the 17th of July, Apple has announced a range of new emojis that aim to promote diversity, including wheelchairs, guide dogs and hearing aids.

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 in the emoji keyboard.

The new emoji additions are designed to promote inclusivity for everyone and bridge a significant gap in the emoji keyboard, notes Apple.

Apple’s emoji update will also feature a range of other fun new additions, including new food, animal and activity items.

A total of fifty-nine new emoji designs will be available in autumn with a free software update for Apple’s iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch.

This 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 with their voice. This software update enables people with certain disabilities to have greater and easier access to Apple’s products.

Other large companies have also made their ranges more accessible for disabled people, placing a greater emphasis on their wants and needs.

One such company is 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.