Apple create emoji set to better represent users with disabilities

Apple has worked with the American Council of the Blind, the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, and the National Association of the Deaf to create 13 new emojis to represent those with disabilities.

Guide dogs, wheelchair and stick users, an ear with a hearing aid and a robotic arm and leg are included in the set, which has been proposed to Unicode Consortium, which is responsible for agreeing to a new emoji. If the set is approved, the icons will be available to smartphone users by early 2019.

“Currently, emoji provide a wide range of options, but may not represent the experiences of those with disabilities,” Apple said. “Diversifying the options available helps fill a significant gap and provides a more inclusive experience for all.”