Accessible Technology

Most current technology, whether devices or software applications, provide accessibiliity features that users can enable to make the use of the technology easier in a variety of ways.

Android

Android accessibility features can be accessed and customized for individual needs. The Accessibility menu can be found in Android Settings under the System submenu.

TalkBack screen reader is built into Android and can read app icons and typed text, and be used to input text. It can also be customized to navigate Android using touch gestures. Aside from standard gestures to navigate between items onscreen, custom gestures can also be made to complete actions.

Voice Access allows a user to control their Android device by speaking commands. Voice commands can be used to navigate the operating system, interact with applications, edit text, and change system settings. Custom gesture commands can also be made for more complex actions.

Switch Access allows for the use of third party input devices, such as keyboards, for easier navigation of the operating system and applications. Switches can be used to scan through items on screen, to select highlighted items, or to change selection and scanning methods.

Closed captions can be enabled in Android for users. Language, text size, and caption style can all be changed for ease of use.

Magnification allows any part of the screen to be magnified for easier reading. It can be used by tapping the screen three times, or by use of a button.

Text size, display size, and text contrast can all be changed to make reading items onscreen easier. All three of these settings can be changed in the Accessibility menu.

Apple

Learn more about the accessibility features on Apple computers and devices: MaciPadiPhoneiOS.

If you're using a university-owned Mac, you need admin privileges to enable certain accessibility features (Voice Control, switch control, alternate pointer actions). Faculty/staff can use Admin by Request to enable the accessibility features they need. Students using lab computers should contact IT support.

VoiceOver functions as a screen reader and is also integrated into other software on OSX and iOS. It reads information on the screen sequentially to help the user complete tasks, and it can be customized with third party keyboards including braille keyboards. It allows the user to set up custom keyboard commands, minimizing use of a mouse in the operating system. Keys can be remapped to perform specific functions.

Closed captions are fully supported in OSX and iOS.

Switch control allows users to create custom switches for easier navigation of the operating system and applications. Joystick, mouse, keyboard, and controllers can be used, and cross compatibility exists between Apple devices.

Siri can be used for certain accessibility features, such as commands and dictation. Siri can also be summoned with Switch Control.

Dictation enables the ability to speak to enter text and symbols. It acts as voice to text rather than taking commands like Siri. Custom voice commands can be setup to perform tasks by voice in specific applications. Learn more with the Dictation setup guide and command guide.

OSX/Mac desktop specific

Learn more about the Vision accessibility tools available on a Mac.

Dwell control can be utilized when users have head or eye tracking software, allowing for actions to be completed when the cursor dwells in a specific location.

Word completion allows users to type part of a word and get suggestions on how to complete the word.

iOS device specific

Display accomodations

  • Color, tint, hue of the screen can easily be changed.
  • Change text size to make reading easier in most applications.
  • Zoom is a screen magnifier that can be used to view information in a zoomed area.
  • Magnifier uses the camera on an iOS device to enlarge text that can't be read.
  • Speak Screen can be used to read aloud text such as emails, messages, or documents.

TTY phone calls is a software that allows users to make and receive TTY phone calls.

Custom notifications can be altered based on user need. Vibration, screen flashing, and light flashing are available for customization.

AssistiveTouch allows the customization of gestures, button presses, and touches to perform specific functions.

Windows

Check the Ease of Access Center on Windows to enable accessibility features.

  • Narrator and other third party screen readers are available.
  • Keyboard shortcuts and gestures are available for compatible devices.
  • Magnifier can be used to enlarge text or images.
  • Contrast and font size can be changed for easier reading of text.