Easterseals Southern California is bringing you a short video series on smartphone accessibility tips for Apple iPhone users with and without disabilities. These tips were curated by members of Easterseals’ Technology Lending Library team, who provide accessible tech devices and support to hundreds of people with disabilities throughout Southern California. Watch the videos below for step-by-step instructions.

Three Reasons Why Accessible Solutions for Technology Matter

1. First, accessible tech makes information available to everyone. We all deserve access to the same resources and opportunities. Without accessible tech, people with disabilities can miss out on connecting with their community, accessing information related to services and healthcare, online shopping, and so much more.
2. Second, accessible technology promotes greater independence. Accessible technology can make a HUGE impact on a person’s daily life. From using public transportation to applying for jobs and working remotely, accessible tech empowers people with disabilities to live more independently.
3. Third and most importantly, tech accessibility fosters inclusivity. When everyone can access digital resources, we advance equality and create a more inclusive society. And that’s what we strive for here at Easterseals Southern California.

Watch our video to learn about the importance of tech accessibility:

Assistive Touch Tips for Apple Device Accessibility:

Assistive touch is a handy feature that simplifies device control, allowing you to customize actions for quick access. This can be useful for individuals with physical and motor barriers. Take a look at the tips and video below to learn more.

1. Using Custom Actions. Custom actions let you interact directly with the Assistive Touch icon without opening the menu. Choose from single-tap, double-tap, or long-press gestures to quickly rotate your screen, mute your phone, restart, or access Apple Pay!
2. Adjusting Touch Accommodations.If you find touchscreen responses challenging, you can tweak how your screen reacts to your touch. For example, the “Hold Duration” setting lets you specify how long you need to press before the screen responds. And with “Tap Assistance,” you can decide whether the screen responds to your initial touch location or your final touch location.

Watch our video on Assistive Touch for a demonstration:

Hearing and Audio Features for iPhone Accessibility

With these accessible solutions, you can explore some helpful tech accessibility features for hearing and audio on your Apple device. From headphone accommodations to background sounds, you can make your smartphone accessible for your needs.

1. Headphone Accommodation Features. In settings under ‘Audio and Visual,’ you can find some very useful features. Headphone accommodations allow you to customize your Apple or Beats headphones for a personalized audio experience. Adjust the settings to amplify soft sounds and tailor frequencies to your hearing needs.
2. Background Sounds. This setting plays calming sounds to mask unwanted environmental noise, helping you stay relaxed or focused while minimizing distractions.
3. Headphone Notifications. Another great audio feature is the ‘Headphone Notifications,’ which can protect your hearing. When enabled, your iPhone will alert you if your audio levels are too high for too long. This helps you stay safe and avoid potential hearing damage.
4. LED Flash. For those who are hard of hearing, or in noisy environments, turning on ‘LED Flash’ enables a bright LED light on your iPhone when you receive alerts or notifications, ensuring you never miss an important message.

Watch our video on Hearing & Audio Features for a demonstration:

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With these accessibility features, your device becomes more accessible and tailored to your needs. So head over to your settings and explore! Remember, accessibility is the key to inclusion and equity. Let’s make technology work for everyone!

Visit our website to learn more about Easterseals Southern California’s services for people with disabilities, including Adult Day Services, Living Options, Employment Services, Autism Services, and more.

Common FAQ’s About Accessible Phones

What does cell phone accessibility mean?

Accessibility on a cell phone refers to features that enable users with disabilities to interact with their devices more easily. These include options like screen readers, adjustable text size, and high contrast settings to assist with various impairments.

How can you enhance smart phone accessibility?

To enhance phone accessibility, explore accessibility settings on your device and enable features like voice control. You can also customize the home screen for easier navigation and adjust color contrast to improve visibility during daily living activities.

Which smartphones offer the best accessibility features?

iPhones and Android phones like Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy offer excellent accessibility features. These devices provide comprehensive options for vision, hearing, and mobility assistance, allowing users to easily make a phone call, send text messages, and access various products and services.

What Is the most suitable cellphone for individuals who are blind?

The iPhone is often considered the best option for individuals with visual impairment due to its advanced VoiceOver feature. Android devices also offer strong accessibility options through the Google Play store, providing various tools to assist blind users.

In what ways can smartphones without Wi-Fi access connect to the internet?

Smartphones without Wi-Fi can connect to the internet using cellular data networks. This allows users to browse the web, send texts, and access online services. Some Android accessibility features may require an internet connection to function fully.

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Easterseals Southern California’s Autism Services has been collaborating with a company called Floreo VR on a virtual reality solution to help people with autism safely use transportation. Recently, that technology won T-Mobile’s prestigious “Unconventional Award” for its innovative use of 5G technology. Here’s a look at what’s happening and what’s ahead.

The Challenge Being Addressed

For those with autism, a trip in the family car can expose challenges and triggers, making it unsafe for everyone involved. Of course, access to transportation is a critical component of inclusion for people with autism.

“It’s how we get to work, attend appointments, visit with family or socialize,” says Dr. Paula Pompa-Craven, Easterseals Chief Clinical Officer. “But preparing individuals with autism to safely navigate streets, cars, and public transportation may sometimes present complex challenges.”

For example, some people with autism have trouble keeping on their seatbelts. In addition, anything from traffic, stopping at a stoplight, or even a driver having to take a different route can be a trigger. Some Easterseals participants will not leave their home or ride in a car.

These barriers put people with autism at risk for a wide range of negative health and quality-of-life outcomes.

The Unconventional Awards recognize organizations that use T-Mobile’s 5G network to solve real-world problems in a creative way. Easterseals was honored with the first-place award in the “Customer Experience” category.

Virtual Reality for Autism: A Game-Changer

VR technology is a game-changer in this area because it creates an opportunity for people to practice skills ahead of time, in an immersive and safe way.

With Floreo and Easterseal’s virtual reality solution, children and adults can take a virtual journey to get a preview of the transportation they’ll be using. They can encounter the same triggers they’ll find in the real world and, working with a clinician, they can safely practice skills to reduce dangerous behaviors.

Because this technology is being used in a clinically rigorous setting, researchers and clinicians will—for the first time—be able to assess and create treatment plans for the behaviors associated with autism in transportation settings. It will also help researchers and clinicians track progress and individualize approaches to skill building.

To further advance this research, Easterseals has joined Floreo’s Scientific Advisory Board as a leading member.

Through virtual reality, individuals can practice every step of the transportation journey.

What’s Ahead

The program could have a tremendous impact over time by making medical visits less challenging and promoting inclusion for people with autism in ways most of us take for granted.

Easterseals Southern California is exploring even more topic areas with Floreo, including safe street crossing, communication, and social skills.

“Together, we are working to create a world where neurodiverse individuals can practice life, communication, and social skills in a safe, virtual environment, preparing them to navigate real-world situations with confidence and independence,” said Vijay Ravindran, CEO of Floreo.

“This directly supports our mission to achieve full equity, inclusion and access for the people we support,” says Paula. “We want to give people the tools to enhance their independence, as well as their quality of life.”

Read more about the award and our partnership with Floreo VR.

To learn more about Easterseals Autism Therapy Services, visit our website.

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