Google is making various updates to improve accessibility for people with disabilities, with a focus on those who are blind, have low vision, cognitive disabilities, and physical accessibility needs. They are also launching a scholarship program for influencers with disabilities and investing $5 million in nonprofit organizations that make coding and computer science education more accessible to students with disabilities. These efforts aim to support disability inclusion and accessibility across all sectors and industries.
The Google Rising Influencer with Disabilities Scholarship program will involve 15 participants from the US and Canada who will receive mentoring from accomplished influencers, learn from industry leaders, and connect with Google product teams. The investment fund will support organizations that use Google’s Blockly library to develop inclusive tools and curricula for students with diverse learning styles and abilities.
The product updates include enhancements to the Lookout feature on Android, which allows people who are blind or have low vision to use their phone’s camera to identify objects in front of them. The new “search mode” feature provides notifications about objects within seven categories, including seats, tables, and bathrooms. The Look to Speak app will introduce a text-free mode with voice activation based on custom emojis, symbols, and photos.
Google Maps is also improving accessibility by expanding options for screen readers and providing turn-by-turn voice guidance to help users navigate their surroundings. Additionally, Maps will now display a wheelchair icon on desktop computers to indicate wheelchair accessibility at a location, a feature previously only available on mobile devices.
These updates and initiatives demonstrate Google’s continued commitment to improving accessibility for people with disabilities and ensuring that all individuals can fully participate in the digital world. Subscribe to Disability Scoop’s newsletter for more stories on developmental disabilities.
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https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2024/06/21/google-releasing-bevy-of-accessibility-improvements/30932/
