Shaylynn Hayes-Raymond, and the International Misophonia Foundation have been working with the accessibility/disability department at Microsoft to advocate for the blinking text cursor (caret |) to respect system settings on Mac and the apple mobile operating system. Windows versions of these apps already honour this program setting. Microsoft has reached out to let us know…
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Gaming is a source of entertainment and connection for millions, but for many individuals with health conditions such as cybersickness, migraines, epilepsy, dizziness, nausea, misophonia, and sensory processing issues, playing can be uncomfortable, overwhelming, or even painful. WHILE WE SPECIFICALLY CALL ON THE INDUSTRY GIANTS TO ENACT CHANGE, WE CALL ON THE GAMING INDUSTRY AS…
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In an age where technology touches nearly every aspect of our lives, the issue of accessibility has never been more important. Yet, despite ongoing advocacy and growing awareness, many tech companies and developers continue to demonstrate a disturbing lack of concern for users with disabilities. Often, rather than addressing accessibility concerns with respect or a…
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For many, computers are indispensable tools, seamlessly blending work, entertainment, and communication. But for individuals with sensory processing disorders, interacting with digital environments often feels like an assault on the senses. Poorly considered design choices, like moving objects, flashing elements, and intrusive sounds, can cause nausea, dizziness, and anxiety, making these tools more of a…
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Loading spinners, those seemingly innocent animations that indicate a process is occurring on digital devices, have become a ubiquitous part of the user experience. Whether they appear on operating systems, computers, phones, websites, or video games, these dynamic animations are widely used to show users that something is loading, processing, or being updated. However, while…
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In 2025, gaming has evolved far beyond the 8-bit graphics of the 1980s. Technological advancements have brought us immersive worlds, complex storytelling, and cutting-edge graphics. Yet, one glaring issue remains: the persistent inaccessibility of games for disabled gamers. Companies like BioWare, EA Games, and even platforms like Steam have failed to adequately address the needs…
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“The Sims 4” is a popular life simulation game that offers players an immersive experience in creating and managing virtual lives. However, for individuals with sensory sensitivities—such as those associated with autism, sensory processing disorder (SPD), vestibular disorders, migraines, misokinesia, and ADHD—certain in-game elements can pose challenges. Loading Spinners Animated loading spinners are common in…
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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…
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In the latest strides for accessibility, Apple’s recent updates to Sequoia OS and iOS 18 have brought in a thoughtful feature that allows users to turn off the blinking cursor. This addition caters specifically to users with sensory sensitivities who may find blinking cursors distracting or even overwhelming. Despite Apple’s groundbreaking changes, however, Microsoft Office…
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Apple’s recent updates in iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia have introduced a long-requested feature: the option for a non-blinking cursor. This enhancement is a significant step forward for accessibility, particularly for users who find blinking cursors distracting or uncomfortable. However, while this move is commendable, it also highlights deeper flaws in Apple’s approach to accessibility,…
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