Android Accessibility Suite

Android Accessibility Features

While any digital platform or operating system can present barriers to people with disabilities, Android devices have posed a particular problem for members of this community. The good news is that thanks to changes in the Android Accessibility Suite, users of the platform are seeing improvements in their experience!

Google, the parent company behind Android, has updated settings in its operating system, adding features that help the visually impaired, physically disabled, and deaf and hard-of-hearing!

The Android accessibility features now allow users to customize their devices and modify their accessibility settings or apps in order to improve their experience!

The newly updated accessibility apps by Android will help users access and interact with web pages but also help them when their device is required. Two examples include device use while driving or in low-light or noisy environments!

All the Android Accessibility Suite Features

As you probably know, some options in the accessibility menu (ex. increasing volume, text magnification gestures, keyboard settings) can be implemented through the standard features of each Android device. However, the Android Accessibility Suite includes additional tools that improve accessibility for people with disabilities. Below is a comprehensive list of these tools:

Live Transcribe

Spoken Feedback

Select to Speak

Change the Display

Switch Access

Voice Commands

Braille Display

Audio & On-Screen Text

Besides these accessibility options, modern phones already have one or more switches and options that disabled people can customize!

There is the magnification feature, which works only for post-Android 11.0 devices, where users can triple-tap the screen with their fingers to magnify their screen and make items bigger. Read more about Android’s magnification features!

Accessibility Scanner – For Developers Designing Apps Like These

If you are a developer who wants to design an app with specific accessibility options for people with hearing aid support, hearing loss, or visual impairments, make sure to check out the Accessibility Scanner!

The app lets you customize your app to anyone’s screen and phone, as well as use proper font size and configure different app items!

Every disabled person with a device using Android as their operating system should have the freedom to customize their Android device and make the most of it. In short, the Accessibility Scanner works like a developer’s personal assistant that helps them adapt to each accessibility feature!

Where to Explore the Android Accessibility Apps and Services

If you want to explore the accessibility apps in detail and learn more about voice access, Select to Speak, Screen Reader, Live Transcribe, and other features, you can download the Android Accessibility Suite!

Once you’ve done this, go to Accessibility. Here, you can make the most of the Accessibility Menu, Switch Access, Select to Speak, TalkBack, and other settings and customize your phone accordingly!

If you want even more customization options, you can visit the Google Play Store and start downloading other accessibility apps and services. To download, you’ll need to have your email address linked to your Google Play account!

Some of the most popular apps include:

Google Assistant

IFTTT

Envision AI

Assistive Touch