Harnessing the Accessibility Features of Mobile Devices for Use as Reasonable Accommodations

Lisa Dorinzi, M.A., Teresa Goddard, M.S., Elisabeth Simpson, M.S.

JAN is a service of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy.

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Mobile Technology

   

Overview Mobile Device Introduction Problems & Solutions

   Sensory Motor Cognitive/Psychiatric

Future of Mobile Technology Questions

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Mobile Technology

   

Trends Mobile device sales are increasing [2011,gartner.com]

 60 million tablets  472 million smartphones

Number of platforms is growing Number of apps is continuously increasing Accessibility features are improving

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Mobile Technology

Traditional Accommodations vs Mobile Applications

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Mobile Technology

  

3 Accommodation Approaches Using an accessibility feature to make a mobile device accessible

   Voice recognition/voice commands Zoom Text to speech  

Using an app or accessory as all or part of an accommodation

Substituting an app for a standalone product Using an accessory to assist with a job task

Using a mobile device as an accommodation

  Telework tool AT alternative 5

Mobile Technology

Sensory Impairments

 

Conditions can include:



Hearing Impairment

  Deafness Hard of Hearing   

Vision Impairment

 Low Vision No Vision Color Vision Deficiency

Deafblind Speech Impairment

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Mobile Technology

Other Chronic Impairments Conditions can include:

  

Infectious Disease Blood Disorders Endocrine Conditions

  Diabetes Hypoglycemia 

Respiratory Impairment

   Asthma Allergies Multiple Chemical Sensitivity 7

Mobile Technology

  

Hearing Limitations Communication

 By telephone  In the field  Using sign language

Respond to Sounds

   Ring tone Alerts Page

Emergency Preparedness

 Evacuate safely 8

Mobile Technology

  

Hearing Solutions Communication

 Use streaming device to    connect to Bluetooth chip HAC rating Connect to t-coil Access video relay services   Z4 Mobile [$0, multi-platform] Purple VRS [$0, multi-platform]

Respond to Sounds

 Use vibrating or visual alerts

Emergency Preparedness

 Use texting for emergency notification and communication 9

Mobile Technology

  

Vision Limitations Access Information

    Access text Access Images Respond to alerts Perceive color

Input Information

  Enter text Access device controls

Work remotely or with restrictions

  Work from home or alternate location Maintain face down posture following retinal surgery 10

Mobile Technology

  

Vision Solutions Access Information

  Screen magnification Voice output   VoiceOver [iOS] TalkBack [Android]  Braille display

Input Information

  Voice commands Braille Keyboard

Device as AT Tool

  Device as a magnifier ZoomReader magnifies and reads printed text [$19.99, iOS] 11

Mobile Technology



Deafblind Solution HumanWare Communicator App

[$99.00, iOS] Along with with compatible braille keyboard/braille display 12

Mobile Technology



Speech Limitations Communication

 Via text or email  Face to face   By telephone Follow directions 13

Mobile Technology



Speech Solutions Communication

 Text communication  Use camera images to cue  Use video camera for cuing   and video modeling AAC/speech generating apps   http://www.appsforaac.net/ http://www.aactechconnect.com/ Video Chat   Face time [iOS] Skype [$0, multi-platform] 14

Mobile Technology

  

Chronic Condition Limitations Work remotely

   Avoid allergens, germs, and environmental toxins Fatigue Driving

Optimize Productivity

  Prioritizing Concentration

Manage Condition

   Maintain medication/diet/exercise regimen Work alone Work safely 15

Mobile Technology

  

Chronic Condition Solutions Work remotely

 Teleconferencing tools   Email access Remote access to workplace terminal   Remote Desktop [$0, iOS] Pocket Cloud Remote Desktop [$14.99, Google Play]

Optimize Productivity

  Alerts as reminders Apps as organizational tools

Manage Condition

 Apps to track medication/diet/exercise  Track 3 Diabetes Planner [$2.99, Google Play]  Communicate in an emergency 16

Mobile Technology

Motor Impairments

 

Conditions can include:

   

Arthritis Back Conditions Cerebral Palsy Cumulative Trauma Disorders

   Carpal Tunnel Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

Multiple Sclerosis Paraplegia

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Mobile Technology

  

Motor Limitations Fine Motor – Use of Hands

 Typing  Writing  Grasping

Gross Motor

 Lifting

Fatigue & Weakness

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Mobile Technology

 

Fine Motor: Built-In Accessibility Features Apple iOS

 Split Keyboard (iPad)  Siri

Android

 Voice Recognizer 19

Mobile Technology



Fine Motor: Alternative Input Devices Panther Connect

[$59.99, iOS] Turns iPad into universally designed computer controller 20

Mobile Technology



Fine Motor: Alternative Input Devices Switchamajig

[$279.95 (controller), $0 (app); iOS] Turns iPad into 6 switches 21

Mobile Technology



Fine Motor: Alternative Input Devices Tecla Access

[$0, Google Play & iOS] Wirelessly controls tablet/phone by using wheelchair controls or a standard switch 22

Mobile Technology



Fine Motor: Alternative Input Devices iPortal Accessibility

[varies (controller), $0 (app); iOS] Wirelessly controls Apple products by using wheelchair joystick or switch 23

Mobile Technology

  

Fine Motor: Alternative Input Devices Windows 8

 Tablet-like layout  Compatible with switch access for scanning capabilities

Kindle

 PageBot enables switch access

Tablets

 Various switch options 24

Mobile Technology



Fine Motor: Alternative Input Devices Alternate Styluses

 Mouth  Adjustable lengths  Ergonomic widths 25

Mobile Technology

 

Fine Motor: Typing Speech Recognition

 Dragon Dictation [$0, iOS]  Dragon Mobile Assistant [$0, Android]  Dragon Email [$0, Blackberry]

Larger Interface

 Big Launcher [$9.99, Google Play] 26

Mobile Technology



Fine Motor: Typing Implement hand written notes

 Convert written notes into typed format  Samsung Galaxy 10.1 and stylus  Livescribe Smartpen & apps 27

Mobile Technology



Fine Motor: Typing One Handed Keyboard Apps

 Frog Pad [Free, iOS]  HansOn [Free, iOS]  OneHand Keyboard [Free, Google Play] 

Right or Left Hand Options

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Mobile Technology

 

Gross Motor: Lifting Digitize all documents Implement E-Book Readers

    Kindle Nook iPad Android Tablets 29

Mobile Technology

Gross Motor: Lifting Apple iPad Mini

8x5 in .68 lbs

Samsung Galaxy Kindle Fire HD

10x7 in

Tablet Size Comparison

9x6 in

ASUS Infinity

10x7 in

Apple iPad 2

9x7 in

Google Nexus 10 Microsoft Surface

10 x 7 in 11 x 7 in 1.24 lbs 1.25 lbs 1.32 lbs 1.33 lbs 1.33 lbs 1.99 lbs 30

Mobile Technology



Fatigue: Maintain Alertness Alert Apps

   Stay Awake [$.99, iOS] iTired [$.99, iOS] Anti Sleep Pilot [$19.99, iOS]  Anti Sleep [$1.33, Google Play] 31

Mobile Technology

   

Motor Limitations: Tablet Accessories Mounts [enablingdevices.com] iPad Keyboard Keyguard Bluetooth Keyboards Touch Screen Gloves

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Mobile Technology

Cognitive/Neurological Impairments Conditions can include:

    Autism Epilepsy Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) Learning Disabilities  Dyslexia, Specific Learning Disability, Auditory or Visual Perceptual Deficit, etc.  Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) 33

Mobile Technology

Mental Health Impairments Conditions can include:

     Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Depression Anxiety Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Bipolar Disorder 34

Mobile Technology

Built-In Features

       VoiceOver Calendar and Reminders Camera and Slideshow Auto Correct Video Camera Maps Clock, timer, alarm, stopwatch 35

Mobile Technology

Limitation:

Memory Loss     Calendar Notifications Recurring Events Reminders Use camera to capture sequential tasks, final product, people or places Password Reminders

iOS:

Todo [$4.99], Recurring Events [$.99], iDon’t Forget [$.99]

Android:

COL Reminder [$0], Remember [$2.52], Due Today [$2.99] 36

Mobile Technology

Limitation:

Interacting with Others   Use pictures and videos to:    Demonstrate appropriate workplace behaviors Role play scenarios Model how to greet others, where to eat, what to do when mad or frustrated Apps for relaxation, meditation, sound therapy 37

Mobile Technology

Limitation:

Organization    Synch calendar, email, and contact lists Organize apps into specific folders Place most frequently used apps on bottom or main page of device

iOS:

Sticky Notes [$0], Meeting Planner [$.99], Catch Notes [$0]

Android:

Trello [$0], Note Everything [$3.99] 38

Mobile Technology

Impairment:

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Limitations:

Speaking/communicating, stress management, concentration, social skills, and sensory issues.

Accommodation:

Emotional regulation, voice meter, Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC), personal social skills, scheduling.

iOS:

Sosh [$39.99], Decibel Ultra [$0], Personal Social Skills HD Workplace [$1.99], Video Scheduler [$12.99]

Android:

Calm Counter [$2.99], Time Timer [$1.99] 39

Mobile Technology

Impairment:

Epilepsy

Limitations:

Ensuring safety.

Accommodation:

Fall alerts or accident detectors, emergency information.

iOS:

Accident-Alert [$2.99, iPhone or iPad with connectivity]

Android:

EpDetect [$0], In Case of Emergency: Medi Alert [$.99] 40

Mobile Technology

Impairment:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Limitations:

Concentration, managing distractions, prioritization, and multi-tasking.

Accommodation:

Visual and auditory timers, movement monitors, white noise, recurring task lists.

iOS:

ADHD Alarm [$1.99], Time Track [$0], Sit Still [$.99], Pomodoro [$9.99], Meeting Planner [$0]

Android:

ToDo List TaskDash ADHD [$1.41], Sit Still [$.99], Wunderlist [$0] 41

Mobile Technology

Impairment:

Learning Disabilities

Limitations:

Reading (from paper or computer), spelling, writing, math, organization and time management.

Accommodation:

Text-to-speech, voice recognition, spell check, handwriting to text, notetakers, keyboard layout.

iOS:

Note Binder [$6.99], AudioNote [$4.99], Handwriting Calculator [$1.99]

Android:

MyScript Calculator [$0], PhatPad [$4.99], Write Pad [$9.99] 42

Mobile Technology

Impairment:

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Limitations:

Coping with stress, dealing with emotions, and sleep disturbance.

Accommodation:

Anger management, stress management, audio and visual relaxation, alarms.

iOS:

Stay Awake! [$.99], White Noise Box [$0], Breathing Zone [$3.99]

Android:

PTSD Coach [$0], Meditation Anywhere Work Stress [$0] 43

Mobile Technology

Impairment:

Depression

Limitations:

Dealing with emotions, stamina, and meeting deadlines.

Accommodation:

Skype or video chat, Project time log, To-do lists.

iOS:

Deadlines Pro [$.99], Set Goal [$4.99]

Android:

Deadlines Reminder [$0],Location Alert [$0], Voice Reminder [$1.99] 44

Mobile Technology

Impairment:

Anxiety

Limitations:

Difficulty handling stress, panic attacks, dealing with change, and interacting with others.

Accommodation:

Guided breathing and meditation, music, panic attack talk down.

iOS:

At Ease [$2.99], iCBT [$7.99], Anxiety Stopwatch [$12.99]

Android:

At Ease [$2.99], Relax [$3.50] 45

Mobile Technology

The Future of Mobile Technology

   Smaller devices with greater capabilities Improved Accessibility    Voice recognition Switch access Applications for visually impaired Mobile technology  Desktop 46

Mobile Technology

Websites to Find Apps

Platform Specific Stores:  Google Play  iTunes Apps Store   Amazon Windows Store Others: http://www.appannie.com/ http://appadvice.com/applists/show/apps-for-the-deaf http://appadvice.com/applists/show/apps-for-the visually http://otswithapps.com/-impaired 47

Mobile Technology

Questions? AskJAN.org

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