Apple’s accessibility options

We might not have the hoverboard from Back to the Future and the flying cars from The Jetsons have yet to zoom in, but technology is opening up access in ways we wouldn’t have dreamed of in previous generations.

In Apple products alone, there are tonnes of accessibility options designed to support people with disability, from vision impairment, hearing loss and deafness, through to mobility limitations and cognitive impairment.

This article in TechGuide comprehensively explains options for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, AirPods and Apple Watch, but here are some of our favourites.

1. If you find it hard to pinch the screen to zoom, or to tap, you can use AssistiveTouch. This lets you swap gestures or create a touch that’s unique to you. You can also connect a Bluetooth mouse to use as your phone’s pointer.
2. Do you find being on the internet is overwhelming? Safari Reader works for Safari (Apple’s web browser) by removing ads, navigation bars and buttons. Distraction be gone!
3. It can be difficult to hear conversations in loud places. Activate Live Listen and move your device towards the people who are speaking – their voices will be sent to your wireless headphones (AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Powerbeats Pro or Beats Fit Pro) or hearing aid.
4. Forgotten your glasses? Magnifier turns the camera on your iPhone or iPad into a digital magnifying glass! It might not do for a long day at work or school, but it could help you read a menu, the ingredients panel on a packet, or a sign.

Don’t be alarmed if your screen time report increases after you implement some of these options! You’ll be using your device to its full capability.