Apple unveils new emoji to represent disabilities

Apple has proposed a set of new emoji to provide better representation of people with disabilities.

The 13 emoji include guide dogs, hearing aids, prosthetic limbs and people using canes and wheelchairs.

Image:It is hoped that the emoji will be approved and released by next year

In a statement, the tech giant 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.

"One in seven people around the world has some form of disability, whether that be a physical disability involving vision, hearing or loss of physical motor skills, or a more hidden, invisible disability."

Apple said its proposed additions are "not meant to be a comprehensive list of all possible depictions of disabilities – it is intended to be a starting point".

Image:Apple worked with various charities on the new designs

While coming up with the new emoji, the tech giant worked with various disability charities including the American Council of the Blind, the Cerebral Palsy Foundation and the National Association of the Deaf.

If approved, the emoji are likely to be released early in 2019.

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The plans have received a warm reaction on social media, with Jordan Samuel tweeting: "This is awesome! It's great to see support for the disabled community despite never using emojis it's a great addition."

Charles Matthews wrote: "At last Apple proposing more diverse representation in emojis.I am amazed it has taken so long."

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