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November 16, 2015
16-11-2015 8 minutes
Accessibility identifies designing in ways that allows as many people as is possible to access a physical product, service, environment, and/or app at its full potential.
In earlier times, accessibility continues to be seen as optional or perhaps a nice bonus” feature, but that view is outdated and prevents tens of thousands of potential users from utilizing your product or service.
Thankfully, Apple is playing a leading role in accessibility by making certain iOS devices come preloaded which has a wide array of assistive features when you have vision loss, the loss of hearing, or fine-motor control difficulties.
Apple's Built-In Accessibility Features
For starters: VoiceOver, Siri, Speak Screen, and Dictation are native features which use auditory cues and text-to-speech technology seamlessly allowing those with severe vision impairment to navigate their iPhones and iPads. If an individual has low vision, iPhones and iPads offer several modifications (like greyscale, font adjustments, and zoom) that will make their device's display appropriate for their needs.
Individuals that are hard of hearing may benefit from using several of Apple's other accessibility features, like closed captioning (readily available for media purchased through iTunes), a Mono Audio option (if hearing loss is more severe in a ear than the other), and vibrating alerts.
For those with motor difficulties, an Assistive Touch feature lets you alter the pre-set gestures into ones that you're most comfortable performing. In addition to voice commands and Siri, touch accommodations can assist you to customize your phone so it works exactly the way you would like it to.
Apple has also made strides to generate their devices more accessible insurance firms them link through Bluetooth to third-party technologies for example hearing aids, switch control devices ( external navigation for individuals with motor difficulties iPortal Enables Wheelchair Users To Have iPhones Too iPortal Enables Wheelchair Users To Have iPhones Too Being in a wheelchair it's essentially about loss in independence. iPortal helps restore a number of this independence through the use of computers and smartphones. Read More ) and Braille displays.
Accessible iOS Apps
While Apple has been doing a lot for basic accessibility needs, there are several iOS apps out there that may transform an iPhone or iPad into a much more fantastic tool for individuals with more specific requirements. These ten apps for people with disabilities 5 Smartphone Apps for People with Disabilities 5 Smartphone Apps for People with Disabilities Smartphones have grown to be much more than calling and texting devices. For individuals with disabilities, the smartphone along with the apps have become assistive technology devices. Read More offer solutions for problems faced by individuals with hearing problems, vision loss, fine motor skill impairment, developmental disabilities, and mental health concerns.
Apps for People that are Hard of Hearing
Apps for People with Vision Loss
Tap Tap See can be an amazing app, but it's identification ability has some limitations in complicated situations. This is where the functionality of free app Be My Eyes is necessary! Be My Eyes utilizes volunteers to help people with vision loss navigate everyday situations including checking the best before date on a bottle of milk, or confirming arrival and departure times in an airport.
The individual with vision loss opens the app and requests assistance, and is also immediately connected via video talk to a volunteer (any sighted individual who in addition has downloaded the app). The volunteer are able to use the video feed to assess the situation the person with vision loss is within, and answer any queries that they have!
Apps for People with Developmental Delays
For individuals with developmental delays, understanding complex tasks or completing daily routines can be quite a struggle. ChoiceWorks can be an app originally created for children with autism, but sometimes also be used in many other situations. The app enables you to create personalized routines using preloaded or unique images and audio that can be easily understood and followed. A waiting” screen and feelings” screen can also help users to comprehend how much time remains in an activity and supplies a way for users to identify their feelings and follow through with an appropriate reaction.
Avaz (free to try)
Technology has created amazing strides with regards to providing a communication outlet should you have difficulties with language production. The Avaz app (Avaz Lite is provided for free, Avaz Pro is $229) builds away from traditional communication boards who use images and written words. The Avaz app allows you to arrange your communication boards in the manner that works most effective for you, and will be offering guidance for moms and dads, teachers, and caregivers to assist them to use the tool most effectively. Custom images and words worthy of users' daily lives can be simply added, and also the communication board can easily be printed for offline use.
Apps for People with Mental Health Disorders
Society doesn't always consider mental health disorders to get disabilities, however that these conditions may have a serious affect an individual's capacity to get through the day. Apps like Optimism are excellent for helping those that have mental illness track their symptoms, evaluate their well-being and to identify triggers which could cause their illness to worsen. Optimism is also a valuable app since it can be shown to a physician, helping them to comprehend the harshness of an illness' influence on your day-to-day life and get a better picture of trends inside your day-to-day health.
Medisafe isn't an app specific to those having a disability or mental illness, but many individuals having a disability could find it helpful. The app is intended to help whoever has trouble managing their medications by giving clear instructions and reminders about when you should take every one. The app can also lett you know when it is time for the refill on your prescription.
Medications do not need to become entered using medical terminology, but sometimes instead be described (eg red, circular pill”) for simplicity. The app also permits some communication with family members' devices (if desired) and might be synced with both HealthKit iOS 8 Turns Your iPhone Into A Personal Healthcare Monitor iOS 8 Turns Your iPhone Into A Personal Healthcare Monitor Apple's new watch will turn your iPhone in a revolutionary device for managing your health and fitness - here's how it operates. Read More and the Apple Watch Apple Watch Review & Giveaway Apple Watch Review & Giveaway The new Apple thing is finally out, but individuals were talking about the Apple Watch some time before it was officially announced. Starting at $349 - we have a look, and have TWO to give away! Read More which means you never miss another tablet again!
Just the Beginning
Being able to use technology effectively in most aspects of one's life mustn't be limited to an able population - all of us have the right to use technology in a fashion that is effective and that is designed for their individual needs. These apps are typical great alternatives for people who may otherwise have a problem using technology, but I know that I've just scratched the surface of the great accessible technology innovations These Assistive Technology Advances Will Transform Lives These Assistive Technology Advances Will Transform Lives Read More around!
Do you use an app meant for greater accessibility, I'd want to hear about your experiences inside the comments! I'm also thinking about knowing what you think that the most important areas areas are in accessible technology that people should nevertheless be striving to boost in - personally, I would love to see well-designed reminder apps 12 Apps To Help Forgetful People Remember Things 12 Apps To Help Forgetful People Remember Things Organization can prove tricky for forgetful people. From recalling birthdays to putting faces to names, allow me to share 12 awesome apps that will help you remember just about anything. Read More targeted for people who have symptoms of early dementia but I haven't seen worthwhile ones yet!
Image Credit: Bemyeyes by Emil Jupin
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