iPad Accessibility
iOS devices such as the iPad come with assistive features that have changed the learning landscape for students with special needs. These innovative technologies allow every student to experience the fun and function of iOS.The iPad accessibility settings are divided into four sections, which include vision assistance, hearing assistance, learning-based guided access and the physical and motor assistance settings. These settings can help those who might otherwise have problems operating a tablet enjoy the iPad.
The following are just a few of the assistive technology features the iPad has to offer.
Vision:
Zoom– this is a built-in screen magnifier that works anywhere in iOS, so students can better read an essay, view a diagram, or get details on a map. And it works with all apps from the App Store. A simple double-tap with three fingers instantly zooms in 200 percent
Voice Over– VoiceOver is a gesture-based screen reader that lets you enjoy iPad even if you don’t see the screen. With VoiceOver enabled, just triple-click the Home button to access it wherever you are in iOS. Hear a description of everything happening on your screen, from battery level to who’s calling to which app your finger is on. You can also adjust the speaking rate and pitch to suit you.
Invert Colors – if a higher contrast helps students better see what’s on the screen, iOS lets them invert the colors onscreen. This works with text, graphics, and even video.
Learning:
Guided Access– this setting is great for those with learning challenges, including autism, attention and sensory challenges. The Guided Access setting allows the iPad to stay within a specific app by disabling the Home Button, which is normally used to exit out of an app. Essentially, it locks the iPad in place with a single app.
Accessibility Shortcut – The Accessibility Shortcut is located at the very end of the accessibility settings, which makes it easy to miss if you don’t know where it is located. This shortcut lets you assign an accessibility setting such as VoiceOver or Zoom to a triple-click of the home button.
Assistive Touch– is a great way to increase the functionality of the iPad for those who may struggle with gestures or clicking. When AssistiveTouch is activated, a button is displayed at all times on the bottom right side of the iPad. This button activates the menu system.