This past fall I had the “pleasure” of getting used to bifocals for the first time. Oh, the joy. Once I got used to walking down stairs without fear of taking a nose dive, that is. They sure are a big help when reading I have to admit. I don’t lose my glasses as often now that I don’t have to take them off to read.
Did you know that smart devices offer a bevy of “accessibility” mods already built in to help those of us with hearing, sight or dexterity challenges?
Apple has been in the forefront of making their computers and devices accessible for decades. Initially, for the educational market, but then rapidly expanded to personal devices, as well. Android-based (non-Apple) products have also upped their game when it comes to accessibility features over the past several years, but are definitely playing catch up. While Apple engineers such accessibly features directly into the software (IOS) the phones use, most Android phones leave that to application (app) developers.
Android devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S7 offer a strong menu of helpful mods such as the ability to manage accessibility settings on several connected devices through importing and exporting them. Most Android-based phones offer the ability to change settings for those with vision, hearing and dexterity challenges. One great function is the Voice Assistant function that, once activated, reads aloud whatever you tap on the screen, even text.
If you have hearing or sight challenges you should definitely not be deterred from purchasing a device. Apple devices have no less than 11 accessibility options for those with vision needs alone. You can adjust devices for dexterity challenges caused by Parkinson’s or Huntington’s diseases. There are also options for folks with hearing aids or deafness, such as LED flashes for alerts.
In short, never feel that physical, vision or hearing difficulties will prevent you from using a device to improve your life!
Next up:
“Put on a Happy Face” - The top ten reasons that smart devices can improve senior’s lives.
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Sean Richardson, MEd, is a Digital Coach based in Norwood, MA. He works exclusively with seniors and specializes in providing 1:1 “patient, expert device coaching.” He can be reached at 617-538-8258 or on the web at: www.gadgetguynorwood.com
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