Handy Apps on IOS & Andriod

Apps

Vision:

- Be My Eyes

Function

Connecting people who are visually impaired to sighted volunteers who help with everyday tasks via video connection. One example would be negotiating new environments and knowing what objects in a given environment.

(Goodnet, 2015)

- Voice Dream Reader

Function

Voice based app that reads words/sentences out loud e.g. reading a book out loud. For more information visit http://www.voicedream.com/support/user-manual/

(UKS Mobility.com, 2015)

- Prizmo Pro Scanner

Function

Photo scanner that takes a picture of text, scans it and reads it out lout or sends text as an email or copies text in notes and so forth.

(Apple, 2018b)

Reading:

- Dyslexia Toolbox

Function

Offers a range of coll and functional options ranging from a camera overlay to help with reading and writing, background colour and font choice. App tools can be implemented on the internet or on the phone. Aims to make using a smartphone as simple as possible.

(UKS Mobility.com, 2015)

Food

- Allergy Journal

Function

Keeps a record of ones allergies to help avoid reactions. This app is helpful for carers as well as patients.

(UKS Mobility.com, 2015)

Cognitive assistance:

- Alzheimer's Cards

Function

Aims to preserve memories by reminding and prompting users through pictures of everyday items and objects within ones environment. The app is easy to use and avoids confusion.

(UKS Mobility.com, 2015)

Reminder alarms:

- Medication Reminder

Function

Reminds the user to take medication on time e.g. if forgetful because of a condition like Alzheimer's disease.

(UKS Mobility.com, 2015).

Speaking:

- Avaz

Function

Aims to help children with speech difficulties. Caters for a range of diagnosis e.g. downs syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy and so forth. This Australian based app allows children to form sentences, phrases or words using images, commonly used in therapies, in the community and schools. Words are spoken through voice synthesis to help build communication skills and transition help children transition to word based sentence structure.

(Goodnet, 2015)

- RogerVoice

Function

Assists those experiencing a range of hearing impairments. This app converts voice to text so a phone call can be read and understood.

(Goodnet, 2015)

Accessibility:

- Wheelmap

Function

Helps the user to locate wheelchair accessible environments from anywhere around the world. Places can be tagged for their quality of accessibility to remind the user of more or less accessible places. Images and comments are able to be posted to help other users of this app.

(UKS Mobility.com, 2015).

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Smartphone Settings

Settings on iPhone:

- Predictive Text

Provides word suggestions. This can be based on previous chat experiences i.e. what was said and the person one was chatting too.

(Apple, 2018)

- Speak Selection

This feature allows the user to have specific text read out loud.

- Speak Screen

By swiping down on the screen with two fingers words, sentences, entire pages can be read out lout and highlighted. Examples include internet pages, emails, notes, ibooks and so forth.

(Apple, 2018)

- Touch Accommodations

Through this setting on can modify how your iPhone reacts to touch. This features aims to minimise errors made by the user because of incorrect touches on a screen.

(Apple, 2018)

--> AssistiveTouch

Provides an easy to use control panel where one can create their own custom made gestures and menu layout. Features such as Siri, notifications and home button access are compactly and conveniently located within AssistiveTouch.

(Apple, 2018)

- Guided Access

Assists people who have difficulty concentrating, experience attention deficit or sensory difficulties impacting on ones ability to consistently stay focused on one task. This setting limits the iOS device to one app i.e. the user can only use one app (for a limited time if needed) unless a friend, family member or therapist unlocks guided access before moving onto another app.

(Apple, 2018)

- Dictation

Why type when you can dictate right? This feature allows the user to talk to the iPhone to create an email, take notes and search on the internet.

(Apple, 2018)

- Siri

Helps with everyday activities such as calling someone, searching on the internet, take pictures, make/cancel appointments, search words and so forth.

(Apple, 2018)

- Switch Control

Allows the user to linearly scroll through onscreen icons, apps etc effortlessly. More on this on our switch scanning article!

(Apple, 2018)

Check out the iPhone user guide for more information on accessibility! https://help.apple.com/iphone/10/

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Settings on Android:

> TalkBack

Used as a screen reader e.g. reads out apps, headings, notes etc to provide context on what is presented on ones screen.

(Wagnor, 2014)

> Captions

System wide captioning. Can be used for videos e.g. on YouTube.

(Wagnor, 2014)

> Magnification

Allows the user to zoom in and out of the screen or magnify specific sections of the screen.

(Wagnor, 2014)

> Large Text

With this setting enabled all text on the phone can be enlarged.

(Wagnor, 2014)

> Text-To-Speech

The user is able to select different languages, rate of speech and have text read out loud.

(Wagnor, 2014)

> Touch and Hold Delay

Modifies the time required to press and hold features of the android.

(Wagnor, 2014)

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Talkback vs VoiceOver:

iOS VoiceOver

Pros:

- Not as glitchy

- App comes installed from factory

(Adam, 2018)

Cons:

- Need to use more than one finger to zoom

(Adam, 2018)

Android TalkBack

Pros:

- Multiple system keyboards

(Adam, 2018)

Cons:

- Cannot use magnification in multiple apps

- Some apps are only partly accessible

(Adam, 2018)

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References:

1. Adam, P.J. (2018). ios vs android accessibility. Retrieved June 29, 2018, from http://pauljadam.com/iosvsandroida11y/

2. Apple. (2018). As accessible as it is personal. Retrieved June 29, 2018, from https://www.apple.com/au/accessibility/iphone/

3. Apple. (2018b). App store preview. Retrieved June 19, 2018, from https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/prizmo-pro-scanner/id366791896?mt=8

4. Goodnet. (2015). 7 of the best apps for people with disabilities. Retrieved June 29, 2018, from https://www.goodnet.org/articles/7-best-apps-for-people-disabilities-list

5. UKS Mobility.com. (2015). 45 powerful mobile apps for those with disabilities. Retrieved June 29, 2018, from https://www.uksmobility.co.uk/blog/2015/10/45-powerful-mobile-apps-for-those-with-disabilities/

6. Wagnor, A. (2014). Basic accessibility settings in android. Retrieved June 29, 2018, from https://www.androidcentral.com/basic-accessibility-settings-android