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
2
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
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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
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Mobile Technology
Hearing Limitations
 Communication
 By telephone
 In the field
 Using sign language
 Respond to Sounds
 Ring tone
 Alerts
 Page
 Emergency Preparedness
 Evacuate safely
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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
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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
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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]
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Mobile Technology
Deafblind Solution
 HumanWare Communicator App [$99.00, iOS]
Along with with compatible braille keyboard/braille display
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Mobile Technology
Speech Limitations
 Communication
 Via text or email
 Face to face
 By telephone
 Follow directions
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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]
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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
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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
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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
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Mobile Technology
Fine Motor: Alternative Input Devices
 Panther Connect [$59.99, iOS]
Turns iPad into universally designed computer controller
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Mobile Technology
Fine Motor: Alternative Input Devices
 Switchamajig [$279.95 (controller), $0 (app); iOS]
Turns iPad into 6 switches
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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
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Mobile Technology
Fine Motor: Alternative Input Devices
 iPortal Accessibility [varies (controller), $0 (app);
iOS]
Wirelessly controls Apple products by using wheelchair joystick or
switch
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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
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Mobile Technology
Fine Motor: Alternative Input Devices
 Alternate Styluses
 Mouth
 Adjustable lengths
 Ergonomic widths
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Mobile Technology
Fine Motor: Typing
 Speech Recognition
 Dragon Dictation [$0, iOS]
 Dragon Mobile Assistant [$0, Android]
 Dragon Email [$0, Blackberry]
 Larger Interface
 Big Launcher [$9.99, Google Play]
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Mobile Technology
Fine Motor: Typing
 Implement hand written notes
 Convert written notes into typed format
 Samsung Galaxy 10.1 and stylus
 Livescribe Smartpen & apps
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Mobile Technology
Fine Motor: Typing
 One Handed Keyboard Apps
 Frog Pad [Free, iOS]
 HansOn [Free, iOS]
 OneHand Keyboard [Free, Google Play]
 Right or Left Hand Options
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Mobile Technology
Gross Motor: Lifting
 Digitize all documents
 Implement E-Book Readers
 Kindle
 Nook
 iPad
 Android Tablets
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Mobile Technology
Gross Motor: Lifting
Tablet Size Comparison
Apple
iPad
Mini
Samsung
Galaxy
Kindle
Fire HD
ASUS
Infinity
Apple
iPad 2
Google
Nexus
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Microsoft
Surface
8x5 in
10x7 in
9x6 in
10x7 in
9x7 in
10 x 7 in
11 x 7 in
.68 lbs
1.24 lbs
1.25 lbs
1.32 lbs
1.33 lbs
1.33 lbs
1.99 lbs
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Mobile Technology
Fatigue: Maintain Alertness
 Alert Apps
 Stay Awake [$.99, iOS]
 iTired [$.99, iOS]
 Anti Sleep Pilot [$19.99, iOS]
 Anti Sleep [$1.33, Google Play]
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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)
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Mobile Technology
Mental Health Impairments
Conditions can include:
 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
 Depression
 Anxiety
 Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
 Bipolar Disorder
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Mobile Technology
Built-In Features







VoiceOver
Calendar and Reminders
Camera and Slideshow
Auto Correct
Video Camera
Maps
Clock, timer, alarm, stopwatch
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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]
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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
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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]
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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 HDWorkplace [$1.99], Video Scheduler [$12.99]
Android: Calm Counter [$2.99], Time Timer [$1.99]
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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]
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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]
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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
[$9.99]
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Mobile Technology
Impairment: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Limitations:
Coping with stress, dealing with
emotions, and sleep disturbance.
Accommodation:
Anger management, stress
management, audio and visual
relaxation, alarms.
iOS: Stay Awake! [$.99], White Noise
Box [$0], Breathing Zone [$3.99]
Android: PTSD Coach [$0], Meditation Anywhere Work Stress [$0]
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Mobile Technology
Impairment: Depression
Limitations:
Dealing with emotions, stamina, and meeting
deadlines.
Accommodation:
Skype or video chat,
Project time log, To-do lists.
iOS: Deadlines Pro [$.99], Set Goal [$4.99]
Android: Deadlines Reminder [$0],Location Alert [$0], Voice
Reminder [$1.99]
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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]
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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
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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-thevisually
http://otswithapps.com/-impaired
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Mobile Technology
Questions? AskJAN.org
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