Twenty Thousand Hertz Inside Apple: Sonic Accessibility
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Apr 2, 2025 Join Sarah Herrlinger, Senior Director of Global Accessibility Policy at Apple, as she explores the intersection of sound and accessibility. Discover how Apple's VoiceOver and voice control revolutionized technology for users with disabilities. Sarah discusses innovative hearing solutions like Live Listen and the groundbreaking at-home hearing test feature, aimed at improving hearing health. She emphasizes the vital role of inclusive design and empathy in creating technology that meets diverse needs, inviting listeners to engage in broadening conversations around accessibility.
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Macintosh's Debut
- During the 1984 Macintosh announcement, an accessibility feature called "Macintosh" stole the show.
- It was an early text-to-speech engine, demonstrating Apple's early commitment to accessibility.
Early Accessibility on Mac
- Early Mac accessibility features included Sticky Keys, Mouse Keys, and the third-party screen reader Outspoken.
- Apple's introduction of VoiceOver in 2005 eliminated the high cost of screen readers like JAWS.
Accessibility as a Core Value
- Built-in accessibility features increase marketability to institutions like schools and libraries.
- Leaders like Steve Jobs and Tim Cook champion accessibility as a core value, not just a financial strategy.