Mary McDonald provides a round-up of accessible apps and websites for blind and partially sighted people.
With so many new apps and websites out there, there's often not enough time filter through the options and find the right ones to recommend to clients or patients. Here, we highlight a few apps and websites that could help them make the most of technology.
Newsreader app
Happen Accessible Newsreader is the winner of the 2012 Smart Accessibility Awards sponsored by Vodafone. This free app for Android phones is a way for people with reduced vision and/or hearing to browse articles from a range of reputable news sources. Developed by Airsign Technologies, it's simple to use, and works well with screen-reading technologies. A clever feature helps blind users control the app using their headphone volume buttons.
User comments:
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"I found them easy and a pleasure to use."
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"It's nice to see RNIB recognising Android as a viable operating system for accessibility and not just shiny apples."
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"I prefer accessible UK newspapers."
Listen to a podcast from one of our reviewers or download Happen Accessible Newsreader.
e-book reader
IDEAL Group Reader is a free e-book reader app for people with a range of disabilities, from visual impairment through to dyslexia. It is also useful for anyone looking for a stripped-down e-reader. This Android app ties in to a number of e-book stores, free download catalogues and can read text in a wide range of languages.
User comments:
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"It's not bad, but not that great. I prefer Moon+Reader Pro."
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"I tried it, but it would not load the many books I have on my device into its library. It looks like it would be a decent app, but not so useful if it can't deal with the stuff I have."
Download IDEAL Group Reader.
More information
Do your clients know about online forums for blind technology users? Use these sites to find a quick way to ask about the pros and cons of products and help with troubleshooting.
Article published in NB magazine March 2013.