Digital Accessibility Tools

APPS:

1. Be My Eyes - Available on iOS and Android (FREE)
App designed for people who are visually impaired. Helpful if seniors need assistance reading fine print, finding things, etc. The user just has to press a button to initiate a request for a volunteer and once connected their front camera turns on and a volunteer is able to communicate to the user through their mic only. Over 100,000 volunteers are a part of the Be My Eyes community.
Download: iOS • Android


2. Magnifying Glass with Light - Available for iOS (FREE)
"Seniors can illuminate and magnify books, magazines, newspapers, restaurant menus and more"
Download: iOS


3. Audible - Online Audiobook Library/Database - Available for iOS/Android/Windows ($14.95/month) Database is constantly updated and interface is easy to navigate. App allows you to listen to audiobooks without an internet connection and also lets users customize their narration speed.
Download: iOS • Android


4. Pocket - News App - Available for iOS/Android (FREE/In-App purchasing) - Allows users to save news articles, videos and other internet content for reading/watching later. Now has a Text-to-Speech feature so articles can be read out loud to users.
Download: iOS • Android


Accessibility Features on iPhone:

1. LED Flash Alerts - Hearing Impaired: LED flash can blink on your phone when you have locked your device. This feature also sends user a notification when device is locked and silent. Helpful for people with hearing loss who may not be able to hear notification sounds.
How-to:
i) Go to Settings > Accessibility, then select Audio/Visual
ii) Turn on LED Flash for Alerts.
iii) Turn on Flash on Silent if you want LED Flash for Alerts only when your iPhone or iPad Pro* is silenced.
LED Flash for Alerts works only when your device is locked.
* LED Flash for Alerts is available for iPad Pro models introduced in 2016 or later.


2. Live Listen - Tool that can be used with Apple Airpods - Hearing Impaired: Turns Apple device into a microphone that sends sound into Earbuds (Airpods)
To use Live Listen, you need to add it to Control Centre:

  1. Go to Settings > Control Center.

  2. Tap Customize Controls.

  3. Scroll down and tap Green Plus Sign Icon next to Blue Hearing Icon.

Tap Back to save the setting.

Use Live Listen

  1. Open Control Center.

  2. Tap Green Plus Sign Icon.

Tap Live Listen.

Place your device in front of the person that you want to hear. Make sure to adjust the volume on your device if you can't hear well enough.
You can also see your headphone audio levels in real time as you're listening to content. You can quickly glance to see if your listening level is loud and tap for detailed decibel-level information.


Zoom on Apple Devices - Visually Impaired
Different types of zoom that can be adjusted on an Apple device.
Setting up Zoom:

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Zoom, then turn on Zoom.

Adjust any of the following:

a) Follow Focus: Track your selections, the text insertion point, and your typing.

b) Smart Typing: Switch to Window Zoom when a keyboard appears

c) Keyboard Shortcuts: Control Zoom using shortcuts on an external keyboard.

d) Zoom Controller: Turn the controller on, set controller actions, and adjust the colour and opacity.

e) Zoom Region: Choose Full Screen Zoom or Window Zoom

f) Zoom Filter: Choose None, Inverted, Grayscale, Grayscale Inverted, or Low Light.

g) Maximum Zoom Level: Drag the slider to adjust the level.

Other ways of using zoom....
To see more of the screen you can...
Adjust the magnification: Double-tap the screen with three fingers (without lifting your fingers after the second tap), then drag up or down. Or triple-tap with three fingers, then drag the Zoom Level slider.

Other Technological Devices:
Amazon Alexa/Google Home - Device is connected to internet and can be connected to to user's TV, radio, thermostat etc. by installing a compatible device and activating connections on phone’s Home settings. The device responds to voice commands and is perfect for individuals with limited vision. Google Home/Alexa can also be a simple way for seniors to place calls without having to fuss with complicated smartphones.

ZOOM Download: iOS • Android • Desktop