With built-in accessibility features, accessibility APIs, and developer tools, iOS provides an extraordinary opportunity to deliver a superior mobile experience to every customer, including those with special needs. Award-winning features include VoiceOver — the revolutionary screen reader for blind and low vision users, Switch Control, playback of closed captioned or audio described video, Guided Access, Text to Speech, and more.
Captioning and Audio Descriptions
A screen reader is an essential piece of software for a blind or visually impaired person. Simply put, a screen reader transmits whatever text is displayed on the computer screen into a form that a visually impaired user can process (usually tactile, auditory or a combination of both). Accessibility Testing Tools – updated. Posted on Sunday, 26 October 2014 by Steve Faulkner. (Built in Screen Reader, Mac desktop and iPhone/iPod) ChromeVox (screen reader for Chrome and Chrome OS). He is the creator and lead developer of the Web Accessibility Toolbar accessibility testing tool. Steve is a member of several.
iOS lets users configure captions and audio descriptions during video playback. Use AVFoundation with built-in support for captioning and audio descriptions during the playback of media in your apps.
Display Customization
iOS offers a range of features to customize the display, including Bold Text, High Contrast Cursors, Reduce Transparency, Dark Mode, and Reduce Motion. Use UIAccessibility APIs to detect when these settings are enabled so that your app behaves correctly.
Speech
iOS devices can read selected text from your app out loud in over 30 languages, and you can adjust the voice’s dialect and speaking rate. The AVSpeechSynthesizer class produces synthesized speech from text on an iOS device, and provides methods for controlling or monitoring the progress of ongoing speech.
VoiceOver
VoiceOver is a screen reader that interacts with objects in your apps so users can drive the interface even if they can’t see it. Ensure that the user interface elements in your apps are accessible and useful.
Guided Access
Guided Access helps people with autism or other attention and sensory challenges stay focused on the task at hand. A parent, teacher, or therapist can limit an iOS device to stay on one app by disabling the Home button, and even restrict touch input on certain areas of the screen. Implementing the Guided Access protocol in your apps allows you to specify which portions of your apps are functional depending on the user’s need. Caregivers will be able to easily control access to sensitive areas, like Settings or Help, that can make it hard for students to remain focused.
Switch Control and Accessibility Keyboard Guides
Switch Control and the Accessibility Keyboard allow you to use adaptive devices (such as a switch or joystick) or eye- or head-tracking technology to interact with items on the screen, and control your Mac.
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About the Accessibility Options shortcut
macOS includes an Accessibility Options shortcut that lets you quickly turn on or off common accessibility features.
Learn about the Accessibility Options shortcutSee all accessibility shortcuts
Accessibility shortcuts help you control your Mac with a keyboard or assistive device. You can also ask Siri to help with some accessibility features.
Mac accessibility shortcutsHow to log into your Mac when both FileVault and VoiceOver are enabled
Use these steps to log in if you're using VoiceOver and FileVault at the same time.
See steps for VoiceOver and FileVaultUse audio descriptions to hear narration describing a video clip, show, or movie
OS X Yosemite and later and iOS 8 and later include the ability to play audio descriptions of video files when these tracks are available.
Use audio descriptionsUse Screen Curtain with VoiceOver for your Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Apple Watch
If you use VoiceOver on your device, Screen Curtain allows you to turn off the display for added privacy, or if you don't need the display for device operation.
Use Screen Curtain with VoiceOver for your MacMake and receive RTT calls on your Mac
Starting with macOS Mojave 10.14.2, you can use the RTT (real-time text) protocol for conversational text calls.
Learn about RTT callsChange the subtitles or audio language for the Apple TV app and iTunes Store movies and TV shows
Some video content from the iTunes Store and Apple TV app includes alternative audio languages or other accessibility features such as closed captions (CC), subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing (SDH), and audio-described (AD) content. You can use these features on your iOS device, computer, Apple TV, and in some other apps and services.
Access closed captions and subtitlesUse your voice to enter text on your Mac
The Dictation feature converts your spoken words into text.
Use DictationHow to use Siri on your Mac
macOS Sierra and later brings Siri to your Mac, with new capabilities designed just for your desktop.
Mac Screen Reader Software
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