For individuals with sensory disorders, everyday technology use can be fraught with challenges that most users never consider. From visual triggers that cause physical pain to sound cues that disrupt focus, accessibility shortcomings in software design can create significant barriers. This article sheds light on one user’s journey to advocate for better accommodations and highlights the progress, as well as the gaps, in implementing meaningful solutions.
Advocacy Success with Apple’s Blinking Caret Feature
One notable victory in accessibility advocacy came when Apple introduced a feature allowing users to disable the blinking caret — the vertical line | that blinks in text editors. For those with vestibular or sensory processing issues, the blinking caret can be a visual trigger, leading to discomfort or even pain. However, while this feature marked a step forward, its implementation across Apple’s ecosystem remains inconsistent.
For instance, in Apple’s Final Cut Pro, the text editor to the side honors the no-blink setting, but the on-screen editor does not. Similarly, Freeform, another Apple app, does not adhere to the setting at all. These inconsistencies undermine the effectiveness of the feature, leaving users still vulnerable to triggers despite the availability of a supposed solution.
The Persistent Problem of Support Sounds
Another accessibility issue lies in the inability to mute support sounds within apps. For individuals sensitive to sound, these audio cues can be overwhelming. The current workaround is to mute the device entirely, which disrupts other functionalities and is far from an ideal solution.
Broader Accessibility Concerns: Loading Spinners and Visual Indicators
Visual indicators like loading spinners and Apple’s infamous beach ball loader pose another challenge for users with sensory sensitivities. These animations, designed to provide feedback, can inadvertently become sources of distress for individuals with sensory disorders. While this issue isn’t exclusive to Apple, it highlights the need for a more inclusive design philosophy across the tech industry.
Challenges with Third-Party Software
The problem isn’t limited to Apple’s ecosystem. Microsoft Office, for example, has yet to fully support the no-blink caret feature. Despite communication with Microsoft’s engineering team and indications that they are working on a solution, the lack of immediate action leaves users in a state of limbo.
These accessibility issues underscore a broader need for tech companies to prioritize and standardize accommodations for users with disabilities. While advocacy efforts have led to important changes, consistent implementation and broader adoption remain critical.
For users with sensory disorders, every small improvement can make a world of difference. By continuing to raise awareness and hold companies accountable, the hope is that technology will one day become truly inclusive for all.
If you would like to support this campaign, we have a petition which emails Apple, Microsoft, and Google directly each time it’s signed: https://sensorydiversity.com/petition-major-companies-make-your-devices-and-software-more-accessibility-friendly-for-neurodivergent-persons/
