WWDC Coverage: Using Vision Pro With A Physical Disability

Today on the show, Steven sits down with Colin Hughes, a disability advocate with muscular dystrophy who struggles with movement and breathing. He shares his unique perspective on the accessibility features of Apple's latest announcements, particularly the Vision Pro and the improvements in dictation in iOS 17. Colin, who interacts with technology primarily through voice due to severe muscle weakness, highlights the potential of these advancements. Colin's transformative experience with the Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses underscores the potential of accessible technology like Vision Pro. He shares, "I could not take my own photos and videos that so many people take for granted every day until I put on the Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses and hey, presto, I could take my first ever photo, my first ever video." Despite his excitement about these advancements, Colin also raises concerns about the physical nature of the Vision Pro and the potential impact on the development of accessibility features in existing Apple products. He concludes, "I feel that in 10 years from now, Apple will have lightweight glasses. I think that is the end goal, and they will get there, but I think Meta might get there first." There’s also more listener comments following the announcements this week from Apple and also a request from listener Anne-Marie to promote a Facebook group supporting Nicky Button, who is blind and walking from the Orkney Islands in Scotland to Worcestershire to raise awareness of blindness and educate people on the needs and aspirations of people who are blind. You can find out more about Nicky’s trip by following her and joining her Facebook group: https://m.facebook.com/groups/1802341066766453/?ref=share Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversation: Email: [email protected] Call: 1-877-803-4567 (Canada and USA) / 0204 571 3354 (UK) Twitter: @BlindGuyTech / @ShaunShed / @DoubleTapOnAir Mastodon: @DoubleTap YouTube: DoubleTapOnAir