Apple Music ‘Saylists’ Launches to Assist Those With Speech Disorder

Apple has partnered with Warner Music and Accenture Interactive’s Rothco to develop ‘Saylists’ for Apple Music. These new playlists include specific song choices to assist listeners who happen to have a speech-sound disorder (SSD).

As reported by BBC, Apple Music’s Saylist is created by an algorithm that highlights popular songs that repeat challenging sounds for the listener. By allowing the user to repeatedly listen to these songs, this initiative hopes to help those that struggle with speech disorder to overcome those challenges.

Currently, there are 173 tracks on the playlist including Dua Lipa’s ‘Don’t Start Now’, Lizzo’s ‘Good As Hell’, and Fatboy Slim’s ‘Right Here, Right Now’.

As of now, the Saylist is only available to Apple Music subscribers in the UK. It’s been reported that one in 12 children experience some form of speech-sound disorder in the UK. When speaking to BBC, Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists chief executive Kamini Gadhok said: “We’re always pleased to hear about innovative approaches that support speech-and-language therapists.” Gadhok continued, “As with all new techniques and tools, we recommend effective evaluation and monitoring of outcomes.”

Speech therapy often tests those who struggle with an SSD to repeat words, syllables, and sounds. However, due to the exercise, prolonged therapy can be seen a tedious. Apple Music’s Saylist may provide a more entertaining method and as the algorithm provides additional songs, more content will be added. “Saylists provide a fun new way to practise the sounds I teach children, without feeling pressured or getting bored,” says Speech therapist Anna Biavati-Smith, who is working alongside Warner Music and Rothco on the project.

Currently, there is no word on whether Apple Music’s Saylist will be available to subscribers outside of the UK.

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