audio version (opens in a new tab)
Introduction
This week, I provide additional information about a subject I discussed previously. In
my first article about assistive mobile apps,
the focus was on apps which can benefit people with visual limitations. In this follow-up, I summarize a webinar about apps which can assist people with a wide variety of other disabilities. The virtual event occurred on January 18, 2022 and was hosted by
The topic was
An archived event recording and presentation materials are available at the link above. In this article, I will summarize what I learned.
The presenter was from an Easter Seals affiliate in Indiana. He spent 10 minutes explaining assistive technology services offered by his organization affiliate.
Background
The presenter then explained what a smartphone is. He also provided an explanation of the Android and I-OS operating systems.
Example: There are a variety of smartphone choices with Android. IPhone devices are sold exclusively by Apple. Android is also open-source; Apple devices are not. The advantage of Apple devices is ease of use for most people. Next, the presenter spoke about apps which can assist people with hearing disabilities.
Apps Which Can Assist People with Hearing Disabilities
Android
The Live Transcribe app uses artificial intelligence from Google to convert speech to text. It can help transcribe conversations and will function on Android phones. Live Caption can caption anything which produces sound. Examples: phone calls or videos. Live Relay provides real-time text to speech. It transcribes what the hearing caller is saying and enables the person with hearing disability to respond.
I-OS
An app called Spoken Content is able to speak highlighted text or an entire screen. The presenter said this app can assist people who have learning disabilities. Display Accommodations can change the colors or background. Live Listen can be a hearing aid tool by boosting or filtering sound. The presentation wrapped up with a discussion of apps beneficial to other types of disability.
Misc.
Guided Access can help people only use certain apps or focus on specific tasks. Forest is another app for focusing in a game format. Otter AI is a note-taking app available for both Android and I-OS. Microsoft Math Solver can help people understand math concepts. Verbily can help with communication between two people. Bottom line: a variety of apps can assist a variety of people.
Question for Readers
If you use any of the apps discussed above, which and why? I will return with another article.
Blake's talk 