Accessibility is everywhere! Technology leaders like Microsoft, Google, Apple and Amazon have made significant strides in making their products more accessible, especially for people with disabilities.
One demonstration of a company’s focus on accessibility is employing people to focus on it. Microsoft has a Chief Accessibility Officer, Apple has a Director of Global Accessibility Policy, and Google has a Director of Accessibility. Some technologies that were once considered ‘assistive,’ and imagined as technology that supported a smaller population, are now mainstream.
Accessible tools and features help people with permanent, temporary, situational or age-related disabilities continue to use their products. Brian Norton, ATP, CEAS, director of technology services for The INDATA Project/Easterseals Crossroads, joined us today to share how some of the latest big tech accessibility features work.
Android Accessibility Features
- Lookout – Use your camera to help you identify what’s nearby. Just point it at an object to find out what it is.
- Live Transcribe – Get real-time captions right as you’re having a conversation. So when someone’s talking, you can stay in the moment.
iOS Accessibility Features
- Speech Controller – Enhance your reading or writing with audio by using Speech Controller.
- Voice Control – Navigate and use your device with just your voice. Open apps, navigate between screens, type messages and even edit text just by talking out loud.
Amazon Accessibility Features
- Tap to Alexa – Interact with Alexa using touch instead of voice on supported Echo Show devices.
Windows Accessibility Features
- Microsoft Magnifier – Enlarges part or all of your screen so you can see words and images better
Office 365 Accessibility Features
- Immersive Reader – Read more effectively with learning tools that read text out loud, break words into syllables and identify parts of speech. Sustain attention with a focus mode and adjustable spacing between lines, letters and words. Available for OneNote, Word and Outlook on various devices.
Easterseals Crossroads has been promoting independence for persons with disabilities for more than 85 years.
INDATA project has an equipment loan library with more than 2,500 items so you can try something for free before purchasing it
For more information about the INDATA Project at Easterseals Crossroads, go to eastersealstech.com or call 888-466-1314.