Apple and Google have done excellent jobs in striving towards delivering accessibility for those who are blind and visually impaired with Android phones and iPhones. However, it can still be overwhelming to know where exactly to start when it comes to figuring out what the key accessibility features of these phones are.

The good news is both companies offer online resources for exploring their accessibility features. Apple’s online accessibility page breaks down their features and includes transcripts of films which tell the stories of those who utilize assistive technology.

Some of the specific features Apple highlights include:

  • VoiceOver
  • Adjusting color filters
  • Magnifier
  • Enlarging text

Fully committed to accessibility, Apple even employs an Accessibility Evangelist, Dean Hudson, a blind engineer who works to ensure their products are accessible to all. The Braille Institute and National Federation of the Blind hosted Hudson as their Keynote Speaker at their 2019 Best in Tech conference where he touched on his history at Apple developing accessibility features for their products, including the first iPhone.

Google’s accessibility page takes a more straight-forward approach, offering a text-only overview of their accessibility features. While it may not be as engaging as Apple’s offering, it provides a wealth of information and is easy to read and navigate.

They offer help with things like:

  • Using a screen reader
  • Changing the display
  • Interaction controls
  • Using a braille display
  • Audio & on-screen text

In addition to their Android phone accessibility features, Google also offers Google Home smart home products which can be incredibly valuable pieces of technology to those who are blind and visually impaired.

While these pages are helpful, sometimes there is nothing better than getting in-person instruction when it comes to device technology for visually impaired. Fully understanding this, Braille Institute is offering multiple free workshops in January 2020 as part of their Technology Month.

Find a workshop near you and register today, it’s free.

www.brailleinstitute.org 1-800-BRAILLE (272-4553)