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Harnessing the Accessibility Features of Mobile Devices for Use as Reasonable

Accommodations

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

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OverviewMobile Device IntroductionProblems & Solutions

Sensory Motor Cognitive/Psychiatric

Future of Mobile TechnologyQuestions

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Trends Mobile device sales are increasing

[2011,gartner.com] 60 million tablets 472 million smartphones

Number of platforms is growingNumber of apps is continuously increasingAccessibility features are improving

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Traditional Accommodations vs Mobile Applications

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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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Sensory ImpairmentsConditions can include: Hearing Impairment

Deafness Hard of Hearing

Vision Impairment Low Vision No Vision Color Vision Deficiency

Deafblind Speech Impairment

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Other Chronic ImpairmentsConditions can include: Infectious Disease Blood Disorders Endocrine Conditions

Diabetes Hypoglycemia

Respiratory Impairment Asthma Allergies Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

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Hearing LimitationsCommunication

By telephone In the field Using sign language

Respond to Sounds Ring tone Alerts Page

Emergency Preparedness Evacuate safely

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Hearing SolutionsCommunication

Use streaming device toconnect 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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Vision LimitationsAccess 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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Vision SolutionsAccess Information

Screen magnification Voice output

VoiceOver [iOS] TalkBack [Android]

Braille displayInput 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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Deafblind SolutionHumanWare Communicator App [$99.00, iOS]Along with with compatible braille keyboard/braille display

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Speech LimitationsCommunication

Via text or email Face to face By telephone Follow directions

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Speech SolutionsCommunication

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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Chronic Condition LimitationsWork 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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Chronic Condition SolutionsWork 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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Motor ImpairmentsConditions can include: Arthritis Back Conditions Cerebral Palsy Cumulative Trauma Disorders

Carpal Tunnel Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

Multiple Sclerosis Paraplegia

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Motor LimitationsFine Motor – Use of Hands

Typing Writing Grasping

Gross Motor Lifting

Fatigue & Weakness

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Fine Motor: Built-In Accessibility Features Apple iOS

Split Keyboard (iPad) Siri

Android Voice Recognizer

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Fine Motor: Alternative Input DevicesPanther Connect [$59.99, iOS]Turns iPad into universally designed computer controller

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Fine Motor: Alternative Input DevicesSwitchamajig [$279.95 (controller), $0 (app); iOS]Turns iPad into 6 switches

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Fine Motor: Alternative Input DevicesTecla Access [$0, Google Play & iOS]Wirelessly controls tablet/phone by using wheelchair controls or a standard switch

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Fine Motor: Alternative Input DevicesiPortal Accessibility [varies (controller), $0 (app); iOS]Wirelessly controls Apple products by using wheelchair joystick or switch

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Fine Motor: Alternative Input DevicesWindows 8

Tablet-like layout Compatible with switch access for scanning capabilities

Kindle PageBot enables switch access

Tablets Various switch options

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Fine Motor: Alternative Input DevicesAlternate Styluses

Mouth Adjustable lengths Ergonomic widths

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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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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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Fine Motor: TypingOne Handed Keyboard Apps

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

Right or Left Hand Options

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Gross Motor: LiftingDigitize all documentsImplement E-Book Readers

Kindle Nook iPad Android Tablets

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Gross Motor: Lifting

Tablet Size Comparison

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AppleiPad Mini

Samsung Galaxy

Kindle Fire HD

ASUS Infinity

AppleiPad 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

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

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Cognitive/Neurological Impairments

Conditions can include:AutismEpilepsyAttention 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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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 FeaturesVoiceOverCalendar and RemindersCamera and SlideshowAuto CorrectVideo CameraMapsClock, timer, alarm, stopwatch

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Mobile Technology

Limitation: Memory Loss

Calendar NotificationsRecurring Events RemindersUse 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 HD-Workplace [$1.99], Video Scheduler [$12.99]

Android: Calm Counter [$2.99], Time Timer [$1.99]

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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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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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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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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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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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The Future of Mobile TechnologySmaller devices with greater capabilitiesImproved Accessibility Voice recognition Switch access Applications for visually impairedMobile technology Desktop

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Websites to Find AppsPlatform Specific Stores:Google PlayiTunes Apps StoreAmazon Windows Store

Others: http://www.appannie.com/ http://appadvice.com/applists/show/apps-for-the-deaf http://appadvice.com/applists/show/apps-for-the-visuallyhttp://otswithapps.com/-impaired

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Questions? AskJAN.org

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