Apple to Receive Accessibility Award from the American Council of the Blind
Apple will soon be receiving another award for the accessibility features in its products.
The American Council of the Blind (ACB) has today announced that Apple will be receiving the Robert S. Bray Award for the company's continued innovations in accessibility.
"The American Council of the Blind applauds Apple for its innovative approach to product accessibility, giving people who are blind equal access to mainstream technology," said Kim Charlson, ACB president.
The Bray Award is given to a company or person who has improved communication technology or devices; or expanded access to such devices for all blind people. Apple is being recognized for the intuitive, built-in accessibility features across its various product lines--features which allow blind and low vision users to enjoy the same access as people without visual impairments.
"We put great effort into making our products accessible because we believe technology should serve everyone," said Sarah Herrlinger, Senior Manager for Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives at Apple. "We build accessibility into the core of our operating systems and continually innovate new ideas and features to create a great experience for all users."
Apple will be presented with the Bray Award on July 4, 2016 in Minneapolis, MN, during the ACB's annual conference.
Comments
They've earned it
Title is self-explanatory. I don't think anyone, in good conscience, could disagree that Apple may very well be the company who has done the most for our integration in decades. They've certainly done more than a certain other company who was honored as "accessibility champions" last year.
I Second That
Seconded from another Jake. I am going to try and tune into Monday's convention coverage, although the streaming audio on my MacBook has been a bit spotty as of late for some reason. That said, Apple deserves every bit of this. I have been extremely impressed with VoiceOver, and am excited for its future.
Curious
I fully agree Apple is very deserving of this award. That said, just curious Jake, who do you believe was recognized as accessibility champions last year that wasn't very deserving?
Google
At the National Federation of the Blind national convention in 2015, Google was honoured as an "accessibility champion". Not everyone was in agreement with the decision; see here for one person's perspective: http://chrishofstader.com/who-are-the-champions/.
The "champions"
It was Google, named by the NFB in 2015 as Accessibility Champions. IMHO, given Google's track record of half-implementing accessibility and then subsequently breaking what little work they did, it was an honor entirely undeserved. I suspect that Google being a sponsor was not a coincidence.
Agreed
Mr. Hofstader and I are, for once, in complete agreement.
apple totally deserves the award
For one, apple devices have always been accessible for a long time, and the interface its easy to use. Glad for Apple. I don't understand how could google win the award for accessibility, if someone should deserve that award its Apple.
Bravo!
Bravo! Apple deserves this award. Conrats!!!!!
Go Apple.
Apple has done more than they had to do. It is liberating to be able to buy one of there devices and know that it will just work. I may have to learn a few things but it will be working like it should. Now I have to ask who twisted the NFB's tail any way? Again they did the opposite of the ACB again.
Ah, well
Regarding the NFB... they always do the exact opposite of what ACB does. It's some sort of weird axe they have to grind with one another. ACB is usually just as bad, but this year they did something nice on their own instead of just to be contrary. Seems to me they could be a whole lot more productive, both of them, if they'd stop worrying about being opposites but that's just me.
Not Alone
You're not alone Jake. I have often wondered the same thing, and I've also often wondered why they haven't been willing to just reunite with the ACB like before. There's even a book that talks about the split. Anybody who wants more info contact me privately via my Contact form on here. But anyway, I am still going to listen to the archive of yesterday's convention session. You go Apple, you guys are awesome! Don't let the bad guys get you down.