Unlocking Accessibility: The smartphone accessibility features you should know about.
In today’s digital era, we rely on our smartphones for just about everything. From communication to productivity, navigation or entertainment, those handy little handheld devices have become an irreplaceable staple in almost everyone’s lives.
One thing making that statement even more true is the often overlooked and underutilised accessibility settings.
While disability hasn’t always had the spotlight when it comes to technology and smartphone feature trends, there are some amazing built in features that have made their way into operating systems across smartphone brands that can be absolutely game changing for some.
These features revolutionise the user experience, by improving the lives of people with disabilities in exactly the same ways smartphones have improved the everyday lives of everyone.
With that being said, these features aren’t only for people with disabilities. Every individual on the planet has a unique level of ability across all possibilities and these features can help anyone live a more inclusive lifestyle.
So whether you live with a disability or just want to use your phone more effectively, here are a few accessibility features you’re likely to find on your device;
VoiceOver with Apple & TalkBack with Android
A screen reader that helps those with visual impairment to navigate their device effortlessly. This feature gives you audible descriptions of what’s on your screen.
Learn how to use Apple’s VoiceOver here
Learn how to use Android’s TalkBack here
Subtitles & Captions with Apple & Android
This feature ensures you can follow along effortlessly with the content at hand making it easier for you to comprehend and engage with audio and video material.
Learn how to use Apple’s Cations Feature here
Learn how to use Android’s Captions feature here
Display & Font Sizing
If a visual impairment makes it hard to see your device’s screen, you can adjust the size and display to see items on your screen more clearly.
Learn how to adjust your display and font size with Apple here
Learn how to adjust your display and font size with Android here
Voice Control with Apple & Voice Access with Android
This feature allows you to navigate and interact easily with on-screen elements by giving you the ability to command your phone’s controls via speech rather than swipes, presses or gestures.
Learn how to use Apple’s Voice Control here
Learn how to use Android’s Voice Access here
Dictation with Apple & Voice Input with Android
allowing users with visual or physical impairments to write and punctuate text with just their voices, this feature provides a hands-free way to send text messages, emails, and other notes.
Learn how to use Apple’s Dictation here
Learn how to use Android’s Voice Input here
These features are all incredible assets you can use but they're only just the beginning! Once you’ve mastered these features we encourage you to explore just what your device can do for you.
