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Advocates for blind, deaf want even more from Apple
by MacDailyNews
[cfsp key="adsense_336x280"]"Advocates for the blind are debating
whether to use a carrot or a stick to persuade one of their oldest
allies, Apple Inc, to close an emerging digital divide in mobile
technology," Christina Farr reports for Reuters. "As digital life
increasingly moves to the world of smartphones and tablets, some
disabled people with visual, hearing and other impairments are feeling
more left out than ever."
"Many disabled advocates believe federal law requires that apps be
accessible, but courts have not ruled on the issue. Few disabled want to
risk alienating Apple, considered a friend, by fighting it," Farr
reports. "Mobile apps that work well can transform a blind person's
life... But when apps don't work, life can grind to a stop. Jonathan
Lyens, a San Francisco city employee, who is legally blind, has a hard
time browsing jobs on professional networking site LinkedIn. 'The app is
insane. Buttons aren't labeled. It's difficult to navigate,' said Lyens.
When it comes to social media apps, new problems arise with every
release, he said. 'I get nervous every time I hit the update button.'
LinkedIn has hired an accessibility chief, Jennison Asuncion, who
himself is blind, and says it is working to improve the app."
"Still, advocates of the disabled want the problem solved by the company
at the center of the app world -- Apple. Rival Google Inc, whose Android
operating system drives more phones than Apple, is also under pressure,
but as the creator of the modern smartphone and a long-time champion for
the blind, Apple is feeling the most heat," Farr reports. "Apple and
Google both have developer guidelines on how to make features
accessible, such as labeling buttons that can be read by Apple's
VoiceOver software. But they don't require accessibility... Nor do they
offer an accessibility rating system, which some disabled advocates say
would be a big help."
"At last week's National Federation of the Blind convention, members
approved a resolution to press Apple to create and enforce accessibility
standards," Farr reports. "Apple's next version of its phone operating
system, iOS 8, will have a "speak screen" features that reads whatever
is on the screen, improved zoom, and support for hearing aids for
hearing impaired made by companies including ReSound. Apple helped
develop the hearing aid. Howard Rosenblum, chief executive officer of
the National Association of the Deaf, wants more. 'Any app should be
accessible to everyone," he said.'"
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