Tag: Accessibility

iOS 7 Has Many Useful Features for All Users, Regardless of Ability

Recently Apple released the new mobile operating system  for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. iOS 7

I received an alert about the upgrade and decided to install it on my iPhone. One of the things  I noticed almost immediately was the cleaner, less cluttered look. The interface is totally redesigned.

Although my iPhone is the first Apple product I’ve purchased or used, I’ve wasn’t really aware of Apple’s commitment to accessibility in its products.  In every  iOS release including iOS 7, Apple has been  committed  to accessibility.  The operating system builds on existing accessibility features such as Speak Selection, Guided Access, Assistive Touch, Zoom and VoiceOver. It also includes a number of new accessibility features that will benefit users with disabilities.

One feature that can benefit people with visual impairments is system wide large font.   With this feature enabled a user can select a larger font size for use in all compatible apps; the only caveat being that app developers must build in support for this feature. Once widely implemented by app developers this feature will make it easy to have the perfect text size in all your apps. Instead of selecting a preferred font size in each app users will be able to choose a font size once for all their compatible apps.

Not just individuals with vision impairments will appreciate the new wider fonts, As I grow older and my vision changes, this is a feature I appreciate.

Amazon Improves Accessibility Features of Kindle Fire Tablets

The Assistive Technology Blog reports that Amazon’s newly announced Kindle Fire HD and Kindle Fire HDX include built in accessibility features. Historically, Amazon has been slow to make their Kindle products accessible. With the new accessible Kindle Fire and accessible Kindle app for iOS Amazon maybe turning a new page.

A useful feature of the Kindle HD products is is the the “Mayday” feature, a real-time assistance on demand service that connects you with a live support person who can see your screen and help you figure out any problems. This might be good for some people with cognitive disabilities.

The post also notes that Amazon still doesn’t want to make their Kindle eReaders accessible and has requested an exemption from the FCC.

To read the full post:Amazon Improves Accessibility Features of Kindle Fire Tablets

Courseload Releases First eText Platform with Accessible Collaborative Features

A news release appearing in Campus Technology  announced that Courseload has launched version 2.3 of its software with a stated focus on Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), touting the release as the first e-text platform to provide a single, unified, collaborative experience for faculty and students of all abilities.

In developing the new version last year, Courseload created an Accessibility Advisory Board (AAB) to guide its efforts to advance accessibility within higher education’s transition to digital technologies. The AAB brought together leaders from nine universities and national advocacy and technology groups.

To read the complete press release: Newest Version of Courseload Focused On Accessibility

Courseload is an online learning and collaboration tool that provides textbooks and other resources in digital form. Courseload allows students to highlight, annotate, bookmark, and search, and also to consolidate and share study notes.