Apps and Accessibility Features for People ... - Maine CITE
Apps and Accessibility Features for People Low Vision Date: March 17, 2020Time 1-2pmProgram DescriptionAssistive Technology (AT) can help a person with a vision impairment live an independent, safe and meaningful life at home and in the community. In this webinar we will discuss several popular apps that are designed to assist users with low vision, as well as “accessibility features” built into iOS devices. Participants will learn about resources and methods for successfully choosing apps.Participants will learn:Some of the more popular apps being uses by people with low vision.The iOS accessibility features designed for people with low vision.How to review and choose good apps.Presenter Sherry Boothby, OTR/L, CLVT, M.S. holds a B.S. degree in Occupational Therapy from University of New England, and M.S. in Health Policy and Management from the Muskie School of Public Service at University of Southern Maine. Additionally, Sherry is a Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT). She was a founding team member of the Low Vision Clinic at Iris Network in 2005. She has extensive experience in OT practice and establishing low vision OT programs. Sherry has started a low vision OT private practice, working with a low vision optometrist at an eye care practice, starting an outpatient low vision program at Mid Coast Hospital, and most recently establishing a low vision OT program with Coastal Rehab. She has presented at the national Envision Conference, the national AgrAbility Conference, MeOTA state conference and AER conferences.John Brandt, M.S.Ed is the Training and Operations Coordinator for Maine CITE, Maine’s Assistive Technology Program. A former school psychologist and psychological examiner, John has doctoral-level training in clinical neuropsychology and is the former program director of the School/Health Psychology Program, and the Masters in Education Distance Learning Program at the University of New England.Welcome & IntroductionsLearning GoalsSome of the more popular apps being uses by people with low vision.The iOS accessibility features designed for people with low vision.How to review and choose good apps.How to acquire and fundingAccessibility Features in Operating SystemsDesktop/laptops – Windows 10, MacOS, ChromiumMobile – Smart Phones and Tablets – Android, iOSGeneral Access FeaturesScreen reader functionalitySome are more text-to-speechSome are “fully functioning” screen readerBraille displayScreen MagnificationZoomCursor/Pointer size Inverting Color and GrayscaleIncrease ContrastVoice activation/controlDictation and speech-to-textDictionary, Spell Checkers, and Word PredictionMore Access Features Assistive Touch (iOS) - AssistiveTouch lets you adapt the Multi-Touch screen of your iOS device to your unique physical needs. If you have difficulty with some gestures, like pinch, you can make them accessible with just a tap of a finger. Or create a custom gesture. And if you have trouble pressing the Home button, you can activate it with an onscreen tap. Gestures like rotate and shake are available even when your iOS device is mounted on a wheelchair. And iOS devices also support a number of third?party assistive devices that help you interact with your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.Desktop Operating Systems – Screen ReadersWindows 10 MS Narrator - Rudimentary “screen reader”Good enough to set up computer and download a real screen reader.JAWS (Job Access With Speech)- “is the world’s most popular screen reader”Most configurable optionsSteeper learning curve$900 per copyRAM intensive – not for older or slower machinesNVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) - is freely and open source softwareSupports Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Word, Excel and Outlook Express, and Mozilla Thunderbird. NVDA supports web content using JavaScript.Some research shows NVDA considered to be the “second best” screen reader in terms of capability for Windows NVDA able to read some web content that JAWS did not but the reverse was sometimes true as well.MacOS – Screen ReaderVoiceOver – fully functioning screen reader completed integrated into the OSFree and installed on all Macs since April 2005.Will speak 30 different languagesContinuous improvementWorks with nearly all refreshable braille displaysChromium OS/Chromebook – Screen ReaderChromeVox – text-to-speech generator for Chrome and ChromiumFree and installed with all ChromebooksDoes not provide navigation controls – this is done with standard keystroke combinations.Also works with Chromebooks that have touchscreens.Works with many refreshable braille displaysDesktop - Low Vision Accessibility FeaturesAndroidScreen Magnification, Zoom, Inverting Color and Grayscale, Increase Contrast and Cursor/Pointer sizer are built in and can be controlled by the Accessibility section of Settings See: Magnification, Zoom, Inverting Color and Grayscale, Increase Contrast and Cursor/Pointer sizer are all built into MacOS and can all be controlled via the Accessibility panel in System Preferences or via keystroke. See: Devices – General Considerations of OSThere are a number of differences between the Android and Apple iOS operating systems and generally it is safe to say that the choice should be made by the user based upon their experience and additional factors such as cost. Here are some articles that compare the two systems:Android vs iOS Which One is Best for Nowadays – Amaze Invent - Paul Adam – iOS vs Android - Trends - Cellular News - Device Accessibility: iOS and the Android Accessibility Suite - vs. Android: Which is better for you? - Tech - Devices – Screen ReadersAndroid Android Accessibility Suite - TalkBack – gives spoken, audible and tactile (vibration) feedbackNeeds to be downloaded from Google Play StoreProvides text-to-speech and some navigation when used with Accessibility Menu.Will generally work with most appsWill integrate with some refreshable braille displays (more each year)Latest version does not work with older devices with older OSiPhones and iPadsVoiceOver – a fully-functioning, robust screen reader that will give spoken and tactile feedback as well as provide complete navigation to the user. Integrates with most refreshable braille displaysWorks with all native iOS apps and will work with most other apps.Generally works with most web content – assuming the content is accessible to begin with.Mobile - Low Vision Accessibility FeaturesWindows 10 Screen Magnification, Zoom, Inverting Color and Grayscale, Increase Contrast and Cursor/Point are all built into Window 10 and can all be controlled via the Ease of Access panel in Settings or via keystroke See: Magnification, Zoom, Inverting Color and Grayscale, Increase Contrast and Cursor/Point are all built into MacOS and can all be controlled via the Accessibility panel in System Preferences or via keystroke. See: AppsThere are apps for many functions- to act like an extra set of eyes, for reading, shopping, navigation, watching moviesLet’s review some of the most popular apps for these functionsBe My EyesBe My Eyes is a free app that connects blind and low-vision people with sighted volunteers and company representatives for visual assistance through a live video call. FMI See: and Seeing AISeeing AI is a free app that narrates the world around you. Designed for the blind and low vision community, this ongoing research project harnesses the power of AI to open up the visual world and describe nearby people, text and objects. FMI See: The Seeing AI app is divided into categories. The following categories are located at the bottom of the app's home screen:Short TextDocumentsProductsPersonScene CurrencyColorHandwritingLightTapTapSeeTapTapSee is a mobile camera application designed specifically for blind and visually impaired users, powered by the CloudSight Image Recognition API. TapTapSee utilizes your device’s camera and VoiceOver functions to take a picture or video of anything and identify it out loud for you.Double-tap the right side of the screen to take a picture or double-tap the left side of the screen to take a video. TapTapSee can accurately analyze and identify any two or three dimensional object at any angle within seconds. The device’s VoiceOver then speaks the identification aloud. This app can be complicated and difficult to use with the senior population.FMI See: and KNFB ReaderKNFB Reader turns printed text into speech that is read aloud or into Braille with a connected Braille display. This allows you to read and navigate the world independently, wherever you are. The app is usually $99 so cost is a factor to consider.The app can be downloaded to iOS, Android, and Windows 10 devices, so you can take it with you wherever you go or use it on your desktop. Since it does not require Wi-Fi or an internet connection, it works its magic instantly making print accessible for everyone.FMI See: or BARD MobileThe Talking Book Library is the oldest producer of accessible books and magazines. In the past, you called your local NLS library and requested a book. Now you can search the catalog yourself and download a book or magazine anytime you like using the BARD Mobile app, developed for both iOS and Android by the National Library Service of the Library of Congress. Visit Maine State Library for information aboutLarge Print Free Services - Books Program - our AEM Program webinar in on these programs with Chris BoyntonFMI See: downloadable recorded books. Their collection currently includes well over 150,000 books and periodicals. Most major titles are available on the same day the printed version is released; many can even be preordered at special prices.You can purchase Audible books individually or in larger quantities and at a discounted price. The most popular purchase option is to become an Audible Silver or Gold plan member, which includes either one or two book credits per month, along with a subscription to an excerpted daily production of either the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal. Members receive occasional free books and special sale pricing on selected book collections.FMI see: CloudLibrary or OverdriveMany local libraries are members of OverDrive or CloudLibrary, a service that provides both audio and text eBooks to libraries, schools, and other institutions. Libraries must purchase one or multiple copies of each title individually, the same as they would purchase print books or CD audio books. And like other library offerings, you cannot keep copies indefinitely. You have to check them out for a specific number of days or weeks, after which you must either renew or the book becomes unplayable.FMI See: and model Kindle e-Readers will read books aloud using a Bluetooth speaker or earphones. You can also use an Amazon Echo to have the books read. An even easier way to read Kindle books is to use the mobile apps for iOS and Android. Both are extremely accessible, and you can find nearly any book you want to read in the Amazon Kindle store, often priced at a discount to the print version.FMI See: is an accessible online library for individuals with print disabilities, including the blind and dyslexic. Currently, the Bookshare collection contains nearly a half million titles, which eligible users can add to their personal libraries and read online. Titles can also be downloaded in either text format or as MP3 audio files.A Bookshare membership requires verification of your print disability, and costs $50 per year but is Free for students with disabilities K-college under special funding from the US Department of Education. Downloads are free.Android users can use the Go Read app to search the Bookshare library, download and read books on their mobile device. Apple iOS users can use the official Bookshare Read2Go app to access Bookshare titles. Another app that does an excellent job accessing Bookshare titles is Voice Dream Reader. This app will also store and speak PDF files, word processing files, spread sheets and other documents in your choice of dozens of different voices you can obtain via in-app purchases.FMI See Maine AEM Program: AppsSpecific newspapers have apps available for subscribers, such as Portland Press Herald and New York Times.Font size is usually adjustable within the app and headlines presented in a simpler format.Sometimes working with someone who is new to technology may find it easier to access the newspaper via the app. The apps can be glitchy so it is best assessed with the client whether using an app or the online version is best.ShoppingMuch of your shopping you can get done using just your phone. Even groceries can be ordered for delivery in many locales. Check with your favorite supermarket to see if they offer this service yet.Walmart and Target are among the largest retailers, but when it comes to online shopping, the true giant is Amazon.Amazon AppAvailable for both iOS and Android, the company goes a long way to make the shopping experience convenient for all their customers, including those with visual impairments. The apps work well with touch-screen readers, and if you do have a problem, help is available directly through the app.Descriptive VideoYou may have used the Secondary Audio Channel (SAP) control on your TV to play video with audio description. Many of these same videos, and more, are also available to be rented, purchased or streamed using your iOS or Android flix is a subscription service that offers flat fee plans for all the videos you wish to watch. It offers audio description for all of their in-house productions and many third-party movies and TV series.Amazon Prime Video also began offering free audio description for their in-house productions and other content available free via Prime Video, or for titles rented or purchased from Amazon and played using the same accessible Prime Video app.TransportationUber and/or Lyft, both ride sharing services staffed by private drivers. You use the app to summon a car, offer the destination, and, when you arrive, the fare is automatically paid using your registered credit card.When you set up your Uber or Lyft account you will need to include a photo, which helps the driver locate you. Make sure your guide dog or white cane is in the photo, so the driver will know you are sight-impaired before he or she even arrives.Medication ManagementMedisafe App: With Medisafe, you get personalized reminders for each of your medications and vital drug interaction warnings. Stay connected to your caregivers through real-time missed medication alerts. FMI See: SummaryWith the constant innovation and development of apps, the ability to download some of the latest apps on a mobile device can make a big difference in daily life for people with vision impairment.The smartphone truly has an important place in the range of assistive devices for the visually impaired. While the technology is still prohibitively expensive for some, it may be comparable to, or indeed a better investment than, some of the assistive technologies that are only able to perform one or two functions (i.e. purchasing OrCam device vs. using smartphone app).ResourcesApple iOS for iPhone and iPad: Considerations for Users with Visual Impairments and Blindness and iPhone Apps for Low Vision. Started on the iPad with Low Vision – Perkins Learning Vision Accessibility Apps – List of Low Vision Accessibility Apps from AppleVis Students with Visual Impairments Apps from Live Accessibility Best Apps for the Visually Impaired (2020 Edition) from Everyday Sight Vision App Overview from Tech-enhanced Life Android apps round-up for people who are blind or vision impaired- Lighthouse’s Technology – handout - Rehabilitation Assistive Technology – BIG List of Apps for Reading - School for the Blind – (warning access features pop up) Kelley Blog Accessibility Applications – Instructional Videos ................
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