iPad Accessibility Tips
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Contents |
Introduction
The iPad 2 does not disappoint where Accessibility features are concerned. A few to mention include Voice Over, Zoom and Face Time. These may help a user with low vision, or a user who is blind or deaf. However to improve the experience of many users with learning difficulties, Apple have included other options such as black on white, large text, auto text and word prediction. These may help users with Dyslexia.
Getting started
There are many reviews of the accessibility features including videos and tutorials. I have collated a few of the better videos to explain the main features. However to identify where the accessibility features are, you need to go to the Settings icon on the home page. Select 'General and Accessibility' then tap 'Accessibility' on the right hand side of the screen. Apple have thought of everything even though the Accessibility features have to be set up, you can get help through the Sited Assisitant to enable the settings if you are a low vision user.
VoiceOver
VoiceOver basically works in the same way as a Screen Reader. Just touch the screen to hear an item’s description, then gesture with a double-tap, drag, or flick to control iPad. The voice rate can also be controlled allowing a more confident user to speed up the speech. VoiceOver will also allow you to select from 36 other languages including Arabic and Chinese. To use VoiceOver you double tap with your fingers on an icon. To move up and down the page you would use three fingers to tap the screen.
The RNIB video explains how you how to activate the accessibility settings.
- Appleexplain all of the Accessibility features on their website.
Rotor
This is a handy tool which works with VoiceOver. Rotor is activated by turning your fingers on the pages as if you were turning a dial. This will allow you to select different areas of the screen to be read out such as headings, words etc. The idea is that you are given more control to select what is read. However this can be tricky and would need some sight to be able to operate this effectively.
Zoom
Zoom works with all applications allowing you to change the magnification of the screen. Ensure that Zoom is enabled in the Accessibility Settings. To zoom in and out, double tap with three fingers. To move around the screen, drag three fingers while Zoomed. The magnification can be changed to up to 500 percent. This video is from the RNIB and looks at Zoom and VoiceOver.
