Sony Interactive Entertainment has shared what progress it has made over the last 12-months to celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD).
In an official Sony Interactive Entertainment post, the company states that “we want to reflect on the progress we have made over the past twelve months,” and shows off both internal and external efforts being made. The post also comes with a video with accessibility experts talking about accessibility in video games.
The post jumps in with the PS5 system software updates, one of which included the addition of mono audio support. The other update was the beta that introduces Voice Command and screen-reader support for more languages. It’s also noted that players on PS5 can customize their control center by rearranging console controls such as all of the accessibility settings.
Additionally, the mention of the Accessibility Collection on the PlayStation Store is brought up, showing players a collection of games with accessibility features.
Speaking on inclusivity at Sony Interactive Entertainment, the post notes that in January 2021, “hundreds of employees” participated in multi-session inclusivity seminars. These consisted of 24 courses split up into four sections: “Introduction to Accessibility & Disabilities”, “Digital Design for Accessibility”, “Video Game Design for Accessibility” and “Industrial Design for Accessibility.”
Starting today, on Global Accessibility Awareness Day, it’s highlighted that all donations made by employees to select charities through PlayStation Cares will be matched 2-to-1. The company states that it “supports non-profit organizations that drive a shared mission.”
ABLE@PS, an internal group of employees that promote accessibility is mentioned. A link to the group’s official post is shared and details the mission, the importance of accessibility, how the community impacts that, and the future. Last year’s partnership with Disability:IN is also brought up, with Sony Interactive Entertainment receiving a top score in “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion” this year.
“Our employees, partners, and consultants are crucial extensions to the various communities that we want to empower through meaningful and lasting promises to that inclusive future,” the post reads before sharing the dedicated accessibility features page regarding PlayStation games and hardware.
