When it comes to accessibility, Google is ahead of the curve. The tech giant recently offered up additional changes to enhance smartphone accessibility, not to shy away from improvements. In fact, Google optimizes many of its features and products for accessibility and encourages those who interface with their platforms and products to do the same. In this post, Direct Care Innovations reviews some of Google’s smartphone accessibility and that of other products.
Hands-free Google devices aren't new. In fact, many people take advantage of the feature on phones, Google Home, and other products. However, some people in the disabled community have impaired speech or motor skills. Thus, in its most recent development, Google announced enhanced smartphone accessibility with Androids.
The feature allows those living with disabilities to control the device through gestures. Users can look left, right, or up, smile, open their mouth, or raise their eyebrows. Predictably, machine learning is behind the advancement, which utilizes Android's camera to respond to the gesture queues. You can even customize the commands, which enable the user to make a phone call, send texts, and a whole host of other gesture-driven commands. Those in all 50 U.S. states, Canada, the U.K., and Australia can access the Project Activate tool in the Google Play Store. You can also view a YouTube video to learn more and get started.
In addition to smartphone accessibility, Google's other products include features for those with disabilities. Below is a list with some of those, but you can view the entire list here.
Accessibility Scanner: Android app creators use this tool to identify opportunities to improve accessibility features within their apps.
Action Blocks: Users implement this feature to streamline common actions from the home screen. For instance, those who frequently call a family member or snap a photo can create an automatic button on the home screen.
Chrome Browser: Google Chrome offers extensions, full-page zoom, screen readers, and other features for those with vision impairment.
Classroom: Whether due to COVID-19 or virtual learning, teachers use Google Classroom to lead, communicate with students, and more. Any student can use the feature, but those with disabilities benefit from the accessibility components.
G-Board: Gboard is a keyboard app that allows Glide Typing, voice typing, and even Morse code.
These products and features highlight just a few of the many available options. View the entire list in the Source links at the end of the article.
We provide business management solutions for Managed Care Organizations at DCI, including everything from government agencies to self-directed care. We believe in making the lives of those we serve more accessible through our Care Management software and features. For that reason, we love to highlight companies that support those living with disabilities, too. If you have EVV, automated workflow, or other needs in any of 50 U.S. states, contact us at (480) 571-7016 or request a free demo.
Sources
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2021/10/12/google-improving-smartphone-accessibility/29530/#:~:text=Google%20is%20offering%20up%20new,or%20looking%20to%20one%20direction.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fWEfYRlB2A
https://www.google.com/accessibility/products-features/
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