Thinking About Android? 7 Great Resources for People with Vision Loss
by David Flament, M.A. Tags: Accessible Cell Phones, Android Accessibility, Android Phones, Cell phones for people with vision loss
Occasionally, we receive questions at Second Sense about Android products. For most people with vision loss, our technology tutors and I recommend Apple products. There are several reasons for this, the main reason being different Android devices offer different levels of accessibility. In addition, because most people with vision loss have purchased Apple devices, many more resources and apps are available for our community. Since more users with vision loss are using Apple products, it is also easier to find a friend to help you through the learning curve if you are new to this market.
If you have not yet purchased a tablet or smart phone, Apple is still the better choice for most people with vision loss. But, if you want to tackle the Android scene, below are seven resources that can help.
- Official Google Android Accessibility Help Page
Get instructions on using TalkBack screen reader and BrailleBack accessibility features. Learn the gestures to operate Android and see a list of accessibility options.
- The Inclusive Android Site
Share your information, ideas, apps and tips with the community of people with disabilities who are Android users from across the world!
- Hadley Android webinar
Seminars@Hadley are free webinars, sharing timely topics of interest to people who are blind or visually impaired. They last 1-2 hours and can be accessed online.
- How to turn on the TalkBack screen reading application on your Android tablet or mobile device
TalkBack is an Accessibility Service for Android which helps blind and vision-impaired users interact with their devices more easily. The application adds spoken, audible and vibration feedback to your device.
- “Guide to Using Android”
An eBook available on Amazon.
- “That Android Show”
Podcast that covers everything Android. There are no current episodes as of October 2014, but past episodes may be helpful.
- Adaptive technology sites
The following big adaptive technology sites also have Android accessibility information – just type “Android” into the site’s search box:
Cool Blind Tech
The Tech Doctor Blog and Podcast
Blind Bargains
David is the Manager of Adaptive Technology Training at Second Sense.
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