Apple Tech Recognized as Disability-Related Expenses in Quadriplegic Man's Social Care Assessment

The cost of Apple products has been recognized as disability-related expenses for a disabled man in the UK in a recent ruling.

As 9to5Mac reports, Colin Hughes, a quadriplegic, relies heavily on Siri to guide him through his daily routine, making it an essential aspect of his life. Hughes asked that the cost of his iPhone and Apple Watch be deemed deductible expenses during a social care assessment.

Initially refused, the ruling was later changed when Hughes shared a poignant day-in-the-life video highlighting Siri's indispensable role.

Siri for Accessibility

Siri, Apple's voice-controlled virtual assistant, has long been hailed as a game-changer for accessibility.

For individuals like Colin Hughes, whose limited movement presents significant challenges, Siri becomes a lifeline, enabling voice control for various tasks. In a previous report, 9to5Mac reports how Siri and the recently added iOS 17 helped Colin.

Hughes had previously faced a significant hurdle with his iPhone-the frustrating "You need to unlock your iPhone first" message. Until now, accessing messages, calendar events, and other functionalities was cumbersome, if not impossible.

Enter iOS 17, Apple's latest operating system that brings a transformative solution to this accessibility issue. While Hughes had once proposed voice recognition to unlock his iPhone, Apple took a different approach, introducing a Siri authentication system on AirPods.

Now, when Hughes's caregiver places his AirPods in his ears, as long as his iPhone is unlocked at the time, he can access essential features even if the device locks later.

Enhanced Voice Control

iOS 17 does not stop there; it goes above and beyond to empower users with limited mobility through enhanced voice control capabilities. The update allows chained Siri requests, eliminating the need to say "Hey Siri repetitively."

Siri recognizes when VoiceOver is enabled and frequently delivers more information than shows on the screen. You can also read what Siri displays on the screen using VoiceOver.

For someone like Hughes, who relies on extensive voice commands, this enhancement significantly streamlines his interactions with the device.

Moreover, Siri's understanding of when the user speaks to it versus someone else ensures a smoother user experience. Users can now issue any request that Siri comprehends in Announce Notifications, going beyond the limited functionalities available before the update.

iOS 17's Siri introduces a whole new level of convenience and accessibility by reading out the contents of a webpage. Even if the iPhone is locked after making the request, Siri will continue to read the information aloud, making it an invaluable tool for those with visual impairments or difficulties handling the device while reading.

In the settings, users can choose to Turn on Always Listen for "Hey Siri."

Impact on Social Care Assessments

Colin Hughes's victory in having the cost of his Apple tech recognized as disability-related expenses set a significant precedent. His day-in-the-life video was an eye-opener for the financial assessment team, prompting a shift in their perspective on what constitutes disability-related expenditure.

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