In today’s digital era, smartphones have become an irreplaceable component of modern life. These handheld devices serve multiple purposes: from communication, entertainment, productivity to navigation.
However, there is another important functionality in our smartphones that often goes unnoticed or underutilised: the accessibility settings. These often-overlooked features possess the remarkable ability to revolutionise the user experience especially of people with disability with a more inclusive and intuitive interface.
Here are 5 of the most popular Accessibility features that you most likely have native on your devices:
VoiceOver (Apple) / TalkBack (Android)
A mobile screen reader that empowers individuals with visual impairment to navigate their device effortlessly. This functionality gives you audible descriptions of what’s on your screen.
(Video features VoiceOver function on iPhone)
Zoom (Apple) / Magnification (Android)
Experience enhanced visual accessibility in various apps with the zoom functionality available on your device. Whether you’re browsing through Photos or exploring Safari, you have the power to zoom in or out on specific items effortlessly.
(Video features Magnification function on Android)
- Learn more about Zoom
- Learn more about Magnification
Adjust Display and Text Size (Apple/Android)
Use these setting to adjust:
- font sizes
- bold fonts
- high contrast text
- colour correction
- colour inversion
- reduce transparency
- remove animations
(Video features VoiceOver function on Android)
- Learn more about this functionality on Apple
- Learn more about this functionality on Android
Background Sounds (Apple)
Playing soothing sounds, like ocean waves, stream, or gentle rain, are designed to mask unwanted environmental noise. These calming sounds create a serene atmosphere that minimises distractions, allowing a person to focus or unwind with ease.
(Video features Background Sounds function on Apple)
- Learn more about Background Sounds
Subtitles and Captions (Apple/Android)
By providing subtitles and captions, this functionality ensures that you can follow along effortlessly with the content at hand. These features enable clearer comprehension and accessibility, making it easier for you to engage with audio and video materials.
(Video features Captions function on Android)
- Learn more about this functionality on Apple
- Learn more about this functionality on Android
To learn more about other accessibility features on your devices, visit this page.
TIP: How to activate the Accessibility Setting on your smartphone
- On your device, open the Settings app
- Tap Accessibility
- Turn Accessibility Shortcut on
