Smartphone accessibility features worth making a note of
We tend to demonise smartphone usage for usage for young people, and for good reason; but that’s an article for another time. For young people with disabilities, however, smartphones can be a gateway to independence, communication, and accessibility. Both Apple and Google have developed extensive features to support users with vision, hearing, mobility, and cognitive challenges. While some of these tools are well-known, many powerful options remain underutilised.
Here’s a look at the accessibility settings that could make a real difference for your child, teen, or young adult with a disability.
iPhone Accessibility Features
Text size and display adjustments
Users with low vision can adjust text size, bold text, or increase contrast for better readability.
How to enable: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size and adjust options like Bold Text, Larger Text, and Reduce Transparency.
Speak screen and speak selection
iPhones can read text aloud from emails, web pages, and documents. This is helpful for users with dyslexia, learning disabilities, or vision impairments.
How to enable: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Spoken Content, then turn on Speak Selection or Speak Screen (which works when you swipe down with two fingers).
Back tap for quick actions
Users can double or triple tap the back of their iPhone to perform a variety of actions, such as opening apps, taking screenshots, or enabling accessibility features. This is useful for individuals with motor impairments.
How to enable: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap and set up actions.
Guided access for focus and safety
Guided Access restricts the phone to a single app, preventing accidental exits. This is particularly useful for children with ADHD, autism, or cognitive disabilities who need structure while using their devices.
How to enable: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access and turn it on.
AssistiveTouch for on-screen controls
AssistiveTouch is an accessibility feature on iPhones and iPads that allows users to control their device with an on-screen virtual button, enabling alternative ways to perform actions like accessing the home screen, adjusting volume, or taking screenshots, especially helpful for users with physical limitations or damaged buttons.
How to enable: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch.
Live captions for real-time transcription
iPhones can generate real-time captions for any video, FaceTime call, or audio content, helping those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
How to enable: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Live Captions.
Sound Recognition
iPhones can listen for sounds like sirens, alarms, doorbells, or even a baby crying and send a notification to the user.
How to enable: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Sound Recognition and turn it on.
RTT/TTY for deaf and hard-of-hearing users
Real-Time Text (RTT) allows users to type messages that are sent in real-time during phone calls.
How to enable: Go to Settings > Accessibility > RTT/TTY and set it up.
Voice control for hands-free navigation
Voice Control allows users to fully operate their iPhone using only their voice, from opening apps to typing and even adjusting settings.
How to enable: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Voice Control and toggle it on.
Hearing aid compatibility (MFi Hearing Aids)
Apple offers direct support for Made-for-iPhone (MFi) hearing aids, allowing users to stream audio directly to their hearing devices.
How to enable: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Devices and pair your hearing aid.
Android Accessibility Features
High-contrast text and colour correction
Users with vision impairments can enable high-contrast text or color adjustments to make text easier to read.
How to enable: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Text and display > High contrast text or Color correction.
Select to speak (Text-to-Speech)
Android devices can read aloud on-screen text from apps, messages, or documents.
How to enable: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Select to Speak and toggle it on.
Live caption for any audio or video
Live Caption automatically captions videos, podcasts, and phone calls in real time.
How to enable: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Live Caption and toggle it on.
Google Assistant for hands-free use
Google Assistant allows users to control their device with voice commands, from sending messages to setting reminders.
How to enable: Say “Hey Google” or enable it in Settings > Google > Google Assistant.
TalkBack for screen reading
Android’s built-in screen reader helps users with visual impairments navigate their phones using spoken feedback.
How to enable: Go to Settings > Accessibility > TalkBack and turn it on.
Sound amplifier for better hearing
This feature enhances sound from the phone’s microphone, making speech and environmental noise clearer for users with hearing impairments.
How to enable: Download Sound Amplifier from the Play Store or go to Settings > Accessibility > Sound Amplifier.
Action blocks for quick commands
Action Blocks allows users to create one-tap buttons for common actions, such as calling a caregiver, sending a message, or playing music.
How to enable: Download Action Blocks from the Google Play Store and create customized buttons.
Lookout for object and text recognition
Google Lookout helps users with vision impairments by reading out text, identifying objects, and even describing scenes.
How to enable: Download Lookout from the Google Play Store and open the app.
Switch access for alternative input
For users with limited mobility, Switch Access allows control of the phone using an external switch, keyboard, or facial gestures.
How to enable: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Switch Access and follow the setup guide.
Dwell timing for touch control
Users with limited hand mobility can set their phone to recognize taps after holding their finger on the screen for a set period.
How to enable: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Interaction controls > Dwell timing.
While screen time debates continue, there’s no question that smartphones can be transformative tools for young people with disability. The accessibility features built into iPhones and Android devices can support communication, mobility, and learning, making everyday tasks easier and fostering greater independence.
Parents and carers should explore these settings, test different options, and customise them to best suit their child’s needs. An OT can also help advise and set up if you’re not feeling too technically literate!
