Nowadays there’s an app for everything, hence the popular term, “there’s an app for that.”
Multiple apps for the iPhone and the Android now have the capabilities of assisting those with disabilities better than ever before.
Here are a few of the many apps that help with accessibility:
1. Wheelmap
Powered by openstreetmap.org, Wheelmap provides you with maps that show you accessible routes around the world. So if you’re driving your wheelchair vans in Illinois, Minnesota, or taking a trip overseas, you can ensure that you can find an accessible route with stations along the way that are equipped for wheelchair users.
2. Esaccesibleapp
Esaccesibleapp allows you to look up wheelchair accessible places. With this award winning app, you can plan accordingly to know which hotels, bars, restaurants, and parking is the most accessible.
3. WheelMate
WheelMate helps you find wheelchair accessible parking spaces and clean bathrooms in the area.
4. Tecla
This app allows you to control your Android by using switches you’re your wheelchair. Tecla provides a way to access your smartphone for those who are unable because of mobility impairments.
5. Touch Voice +
This Android app helps those who have impaired speech and physically challenging diseases, such as ALS, Cerebral Palsy, and Multiple Sclerosis, by making it easier communicate.
Even without apps, smartphones come with numerous accessibility features that are already built-in. These features are easy to access by simply utilizing your accessibility settings.
Apple’s iPhone includes Switch Control, AssistiveTouch, and Siri:
AssistiveTouch: allows you to customize the multi-touch screen in order to fit your physical needs.
How to turn AssistiveTouch on: Settings > General > Accessibility > Assistive Touch
Siri: gives you capability to control your phone by speech, since it can be hard for those with motor or physical challenges to tap the screen.
How to turn Siri on: Settings > General > Siri
Switch Control: makes navigating much easier for those with impaired physical skills. This includes selecting, tapping, dragging, typing, etc. Users can customize movements for different actions according to their needs.
How to turn Switch Control on: Settings > General > Accessibility > Switch Control
Smartphones and their apps are continuing to make life a little bit easier for everyone, including those with disabilities. So whether you need help with communication, education, mobility or traveling, it’s almost guaranteed that “there’s an app for that”.