Apple is thought to be working on a string of new emojis for disabled people, according to a report from the BBC.
The firm is allegedly preparing to launch new emojis representing people with disabilities, including a guide dog, a person in a wheelchair and a prosthetic limb.
At the moment, Apple said there is a lack of emojis that “speak to the life experiences of those with disabilities.” And this is something it’s looking to change.
It believes that “adding emoji emblematic to users’ life experiences helps foster a diverse culture that is inclusive of disability.”
Apple has already submitted an application to technology standards organisation Unicode to roll out accessibility emojis. They could land on people’s phones within the next year.
The organisation explained that Apple has been working with American Council of the Blind, the Cerebral Palsy Foundation and the National Association of the Deaf to draw up these plans.
Unicode added “there are 13 new emojis proposed when options for men and women are taken into account, or 45 in total when also including the options for skin tones.”
The emojis include:
- A guide dog.
- A man and woman with a walking cane.
- A deaf man and woman.
- A hearing aid.
- A prosthetic arm.
- A prosthetic leg.
- A man and woman using electronic and manual wheelchairs.
- A service dog that is used for people with hidden disabilities.
In an application submitted to Unicode, the iPhone maker said: “Apple is requesting the addition of emoji to better represent individuals with disabilities.
“Currently, emoji provide a wide range of options, but may not represent the experiences of those with disabilities.”
“Diversifying the options available helps fill a significant gap and provides a more inclusive experience for all.”