On August 11, 2018, I emailed HeadSpace technical support about access issues. The main screen seems somewhat manageable, but the content subscription I purchased contained no accessible content. I requested and received an iTunes store refund, which required help from the Apple accessibility team. I received this response from Arianna: "I apologize for the trouble that you've had with trying to use the app via Apple's VoiceOver feature. Unfortunately the VoiceOver feature is one that our team is still working on perfecting. For now, we are aware that there is room for improvement and rest assured it's something that we're working on. As we continue to develop our product this is a high priority. For now, we unfortunately do not have a workaround but I can assure you that I'll pass along your feedback/suggestion to the appropriate team."
When I asked how any access improvements would be announced, she suggested following their email and watching for app updates. Apparently, it's a long development curve for HeadSpace to improve access. Richard Petty -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of M. Taylor Sent: Monday, January 02, 2017 1:00 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Join Me in Requesting that VoiceOver Accessibility be Added to Head Space, an iOS Voice Guided Meditation App Hello Everyone and Happy New Year to you all. A voice guided iOS meditation app, Head Space, was showcased on the NBC weekend news, yesterday. The basic features of the app are free so I decided to give it a try. I was most impressed, however, sadly, at present, I cannot recommend it for blind/ low vision users as some of the initial screens and subsequent controls are not VoiceOver accessible. So, please join me in requesting that VoiceOver accessibility be added. While there is no direct email address available, a very simple and easy-to-use request form may be submitted at: https://help.headspace.com/hc/en-us/requests/new Of course, you may also submit a request for accessibility via the app's page in the App Store at: https://appsto.re/us/WUmzD.i Finally, I will paste in some information about the app below my signature. As always, thank you all for your support, Mark Headspace: Guided Meditation and Mindfulness By Headspace meditation limited Customer Reviews My favorite app by olivia24 This is the only app I pay for, and it's certainly my favorite. I have used it for 2 years and it keeps me on track with my meditation practice. There are "packs" I like more than others, but overall I'm really impressed with the simple and effective guided sessions. It keeps me accountable and it provides me with lots of guided meditations to choose from, including exercises on sleeping, happiness, focus, appreciation, anxiety, etc. What I pay for the app is less than going to one in-person meditation class a month, so it's well worth it for me considering how much of an improvement I see in my mood and outlook when I'm meditating. In terms of cons, my biggest pet peeve about the app is that if you decide midway through a pack of themed sessions that you don't like it, or want to switch to a different pack, the only way to do that requires losing all your progress -- you have to finish your current pack before starting a new one. Some packs are 30 sessions, which makes this quite a commitment. For example, I didn't like the "relationship" pack and I was actually avoiding meditation or sticking with the "classic singles" (unthemed guided or unguided meditations that you can do whenever without disrupting your progress through a specific course). When I realized how silly that was, I switched to a new pack -- losing all my progress in the relationship pack, which I'd gotten something like 20 days into. Annoying. Overall though, I highly recommend it! An unexpected blessing by Katyia I never write reviews but I'm compelled to write this one. I battle with anxiety and PTSD. I've been introduced to meditation in the past and found it slow and boring. I was never able to sit still long enough to keep up the practice. Recently my doctor suggested this app and from the first day I was hooked. I find Andy's voice peaceful, calming, and compassionate in what feels to me to be a very noisy, scary world sometimes. I am only on day 5 of the first 10 days, but already I feel more in tune with my body and mind. I'm having more compassion for myself and my chronic health issues and I actually take the time to sit down and meditate because I'm important and this is "me" time! I look forward to this every day and last night when I was struggling to sleep, I used some of the tools I've learned already, to help me fall off to sleep. I believe in meditation now, and I'm excited to see the changes that will come from learning how to meditate. In some ways this app is a lifesaver and I believe can help add years to my life by helping me deal with my chronic health issues. I had no hope that this app would help but It is definitely an unexpected blessing. -- The following information is important for all members of the V iPhone list. If you have any questions or concerns about the running of this list, or if you feel that a member's post is inappropriate, please contact the owners or moderators directly rather than posting on the list itself. 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