Gillette launches Emojability keyboard for special needs community

PR Newswire, ST. PAUL, Minn. (May 2, 2016)
Children who have disabilities will be able to express their unique experiences like never before thanks to a first-of-its-kind app developed by Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The app, an ability-themed emoji keyboard called Emojability, will allow families, patients, caregivers and advocates in the special needs community to communicate, support one another and feel empowered to celebrate the goals and successes they’ve achieved. From adaptive equipment and therapy emojis to words of encouragement, Emojability brings to life symbols and phrases that don’t exist on other emoji keyboards. The free app is now available for download on smartphones.

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Gillette takes pride in its partnership and advocacy for patients, but also advocates for the larger community of kids, adults and families who have special needs, says Dennis Jolley, Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare vice president for institutional advancement.

“We understand that living with a disability or complex condition can be a challenging journey. Our patients, families and caregivers work hard to make progress every day, and the definition of progress is unique to each child,” Jolley says. “When there’s reason to celebrate, we know many patients, families and caregivers want to share the news and be proud. That’s why we created Emojability. It allows our patients to use a keyboard that’s inclusive of their unique experiences.”

An emoji keyboard, like the Gillette Emojability, gives users access to images and phrases that can be sent as text messages or used in popular messaging apps. The Emojability keyboard is available on both Apple and Android platforms.

The new Emojability keyboard includes:

  • A moving walker and other mobility-related emojis and gifs
  • Milestone markers and badges
  • Inspirational emojis for when patients tackle particularly difficult challenges
  • Physical and occupational therapy related emojis and gifs

To learn more about emojis and gifs, visit the Gillette Emojability website. It features downloading instructions and a gallery of all of the Emojabilities. Users can even submit ideas for new keyboard features. Gillette partnered with Periscope, a leading independent creative agency, to create the keyboard.

Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare treats children who have complex conditions such as cerebral palsy and epilepsy, traumatic brain injury and other disabilities that affect the musculoskeletal and neurological systems. Gillette tailors its care model specifically to the needs of its patient and family community so they can achieve their highest potential. Since 1897, Gillette’s expertise has been moving kids forward.

Media Relations Contact:

Nick Hanson
Media Specialist
D: 651.310.1835
C: 651.235.2265
@nhanson22