This is the tenth post in a 12 part series covering the accessibility features we would like to see Apple bring to its products in the coming year. This series is being written with the help and input of my two best friends, Jessica and Jocelyn Gladysz.
Automation is something that can make life easier for all of us. Every task the computer can do is one less thing we have to do ourselves. This can save time and energy, something that is particularly important to those who find computing tasks harder. For years, Apple has offered ways to automate tasks on the Mac. More recently, they have added ways for users of VoiceOver, dictation and the now deprecated Spoken Commands to more easily run automation scripts. Automation scripts have been shared online on sites such as dougscripts.com (11) and many others, but there has not been one central source to find them or an easy way for developers to be compensated for writing them. We are therefore asking Apple to create a Script Store app for the Mac, where users can find, install and setup automation scripts with their script launcher of choice. As a bonus request, we ask that Apple create a system-wide way for users to launch automation scripts, similar to VoiceOver's Keyboard Commander.
The Christmas season is upon us and the spirit of giving is in the air. Writing articles for the Accessible Apple column takes time and energy. If you enjoy Accessible Apple articles and would like to see them continue into 2016, please consider making a donation to Camp Bowen, a summer camp for the visually impaired and blind that promotes independent living, education, and the fostering of creativity. A few dollars can go a long way towards ensuring the project can continue to serve generations to come.