Source: Apple/UnicodeAcknowledging that people with disabilities are underrepresented in the emoji universe, Apple is proposing a handful of new emojis that will "speak to the life experiences of those with disabilities."

"Adding emoji emblematic to users' life experiences helps foster a diverse culture that is inclusive of disability," Apple noted.

Among the emojis in the proposal submitted to the Unicode Consortium (the organization that reviews proposals for new emoji characters) are:

• A prosthetic leg
• A prosthetic arm
• An ear with a hearing aid
• A guide dog
• A man and woman walking with a cane
• A man and woman signing that they are deaf
• A man and woman in both mechanical and manual wheelchairs
• A service dog

In the proposal, Apple wrote: "Currently, emoji provide a wide range of options, but may not represent the experiences of those with disabilities.”

"Diversifying the options available helps fill a significant gap and provides a more inclusive experience for all."

Apple added: "This is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all possible depictions of disabilities, but to provide an initial starting point for greater representation for diversity within the emoji universe."