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Accessibility Features in Connected Wearables (Generic)

Various types of accessibility features in connected wearables (smartwatches). The first image shows a smartwatch menu offering font size and screen brightness adjustments. Another photo shows a message on a smartwatch screen advising that "apps with dynamic text support will adjust to your preferred font size." A third image is of a smartwatch displaying a hearing accessibility menu, which offers the option to "mute all sounds" and a toggle On/Off button.
Model: 
Various
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This is not a page for a specific "Accessibility Features in Connected Wearables". It is a placeholder for the many Accessibility Features in Connected Wearables that are out on the market. Because there are so many of them, and they are easy to find by doing an internet search, we do not attempt to include them in our database. See the More Information section for suggested search terms to use.

Product Description: 

Connected wearables have many different accessibility features built into them.  In addition, there are connected wearables designed specifically for different disability groups.

The Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative (GARI) collects all of the information on connected wearables from each manufacturer and provides a detailed search capability to allow you to find devices with just the features you are interested in. Because the connected wearables that are available change every month -- we do not list the individual devices here in the Unified Listing.  Instead, we provide this generic entry describing all of the different types of features that can be found on connected wearables from different manufacturers --  along with a link to the GARI site where you can find the latest information on which devices are available with which features from each manufacturer and each area of the world. 

The direct link to the GARI database is  https://www.gari.info/.

Range of Features in Connected Wearables

  • Keyboard.
    • External Keyboard Support.
    • Backlight for Keypad.
    • Differentiation of Function Keys.
    • Key Identification - being physically separate.
    • Easy to Press Keys.
    • Tactile Key Marker - '5', 'F' & 'J'.
  • Alternate input.
    • Touch Screen.
    • Predictive Text Input.
    • Stylus or Prosthetic Device support.
    • Gesture-Based Navigation.
    • Voice Recognition for Dialing.
    • Voice Recognition for Accessing Features.
    • Hand Movement.
    • External Switch / Pointer Support.
    • Voice Recognition for Dialing or Accessing Features.
    • Personalized Shortcuts.
  • Alternate output.
    • Audible Cues - Charging, volume, calls, power, battery.
    • Voice Output of Caller ID from Contacts List.
    • Voice Output of SMS.
    • Voiced Menus.
    • Screen Reader.
    • Screen Magnifier.
    • Braille Display Support.
    • High Contrast Mode.
    • Web Browser Zoom.
    • Display Characteristics - Symbols/Icons, Colour Differentiation, Backlight for Display, Adjustable Brightness Control, Adjustable Contrast Control.
    • Adjustable Font - Size, Style.
    • Headset.
  • Call/Answer Features.
    • Any Key Answering.
    • Automatic Redial.
    • Automatic Answer.
    • Speaker-phone capable.
    • Speed Dial.
    • Ring Tone Variations.
  • Handling.
    • Lanyard Pin for key ring or Lanyard Strap.
    • Ease of Opening for Clam Shell/Flip Phone/Slider.
    • Anti-slip Features.
    • Easy Battery Placement.
  • Other Capabilities.
    • Ability to install third party applications or apps.
    • Supports Accessibility APIs.
    • Internet Capability.

Features Catalogged in the GARI Database

Hardware Accessibility Features and Their Functions in Mobile Phones

Feature:
Function:

GPS capability
The device has Global Positioning System (GPS) capability.

Supports ability to install third party applications or apps.
You can install third party applications for example from an approved application store.

Internet Capability
You can use the device to browse websites and use other internet-based services.

Display Characteristics - Screen Flicker
The main display does not flicker at a rate that could cause problems for people with photo-epilepsy (between 2 Hz and 60 Hz)

Backlight for Keypad
Keys light up so the numbers and labels are easier to read

Key Identification
Each key can easily be distinguished from the surrounding keys, reducing the chance that you will press the wrong one.

 

Mobility/Dexterity Features and their Functions in Connected Wearables

Feature:
Function:

Supports Gesture Based Navigation
You can use simple gestures to navigate on your device (e.g., Back, Home).

Stylus or Prosthetic Device support
Do buttons and screen respond to a prosthetic device, pointing device or stylus? A prosthetic device is an artificial device that serves as a replacement for a body part.

Do buttons and screen respond to a prosthetic device, pointing device or stylus? A prosthetic device is an artificial device that serves as a replacement for a body part.
Allows you to activate features by speaking commands into the device, reducing the need to use the keypad

Hand Movement
Controls do not require you to pinch or twist them with your fingers, or rotate your wrist.

Voice Recognition for Dialing
Allows you to dial a number by speaking the person’s name, if it is stored in your contact list.

Device Coupling - Bluetooth/WLAN
Allows other devices to be connected by using Bluetooth/wireless LAN (radio signals which travel through the air and may also be able to pass through walls or other solid objects)

Device Coupling - Cable
Allows other devices to be connected by using a cable (an electrical wire)

Predictive Text Input or Dictation
Helps you write text messages more quickly by predicting words from the first few letters you type, or allowing you to dictate into the device.

Speaker-phone capable
Hands free operation during dialing and after call initiated

 

Vision Accessibility Features and Their Functions in Connected Wearables

Feature:
Function:

Screen Reader
A mode in which onscreen information is made available via text-to-speech and the device is operable without vision.

Screen Magnifier
Does the screen magnifier enlarge all views?

Support accessibility APPs
Accessibility applications (APPs) allow software programs to communicate with the device (although there may be some limits).

High contrast mode
The device comes with at least one high contrast mode

Display Characteristics - Symbols/Icons
Menus can be displayed using symbols or pictures in a grid layout. This can make them easier for some people to understand or remember

Display Characteristics - Colour Differention.
The information presented on the display does not rely on colour perception for understanding (e.g. you do not have to be able to distinguish red symbols from green symbols)

Display Characteristics - Backlight for Display
The display lights up to make it easier to read in the dark

Display Characteristics - Adjustable Brightness Control

You can adjust the brightness of the display to make it easier to read

Display Characteristics - Adjustable Contrast Control
You can adjust the contrast of the display to make text and symbols easier to see against the background

Voiced Menus
Speaks the menu options, allowing you to access functions even if you cannot read the display

Voice Recognition for Dialing or Accessing Features
Voice Commands can be used for dialing or accessing features on the device.

Personalized Shortcuts
You can assign a particular feature to a single key or a short key sequence

Adjustable Font - Size
You can make the text on the display larger or smaller to make it easier to read

Adjustable Font - Style
You can change the font (typeface) used for the text on the display, which may make it easier to read

Audible Cues - Power
Makes a sound when you press the power on/off button, so you know it’s been pressed.

Audible Cues - Battery
Makes sounds to tell you when the battery is running out or when it is recharging.

Key Feedback - Audible
When you press a key it makes a sound, so you know it has been pressed

 

Hearing/Speech Features and Their Functions in Connected Wearables

Feature:
Function:

Front facing camera
Allows the front facing camera to be used in signing or two-way video conferencing.

Visual Alerts - Battery
Displays a visual alert to tell you when the battery is running out or when it is recharging.

Visual Alerts - Electronic Message
When a text, e-mail or IM comes in, it displays a visual alert to indicate it has been received

Ringer Volume Adjustable
You can adjust the ringing volume to make it louder or quieter.

Key Feedback - Displayed
When you press the keys a larger version of it is displayed on the screen so you can check that it is correct.

Video Conferencing
Whether Two-way Video Conferencing is supported.

SMS Personalization and Reuse
Provides you with standard or customizable text messages that you can quickly send to anyone without having to retype them each time. For example, “I’m in a meeting, I’ll call you back”.

Messaging Options - Predictive Text
Helps you write text messages more quickly by predicting words from the first few letters you type.

Messaging Options - IM
You can send and receive ‘instant messenger’ (IM) messages.

Messaging Options - Email
Whether email is supported.

Messaging Options - Text Messaging/SMS
You can send and receive text messages.

Visual Indicators on Display - Enhancements
Whether there is a visual indicator on the display to indicate whether any enhancements are connected (Loopset, Headset or TTY/Textphone)

Visual indicators on Display - Electronic Message
Whether there are visual alerts to indicate an electronic message has been received such as an e-mail or instant message (IM).

Visual Indicators on Display - Volume Control
The display shows the current volume level.

Visual Alerts - Incoming Calls
When a call comes in, it displays a visual alert, such as the caller’s name or photo if it is stored in your contact list

Vibrating alert

The device can be set to vibrate when it receives a call or text message or when it gives a warning alert

 

Cognition Features and Their Functions in Connected Wearables

Feature:
Function:

Voice notes
Allows you to record, save and play back a short voice reminder.

Simplify display
Allows you to disable or conceal unneeded features/programs or icons.

Simple Instructions
Instructions and messages that are displayed on screen use simple language.

Photo Associated Telephone Book
You can add photos of people next to their numbers in your contact list (a personal ‘telephone book’).

Assistance Instructions
When you need to provide input (e.g. when setting up the device or when it asks you a question), extra helpful instructions are provided, explaining what you need to do.

 

Additional Accessibility Features and their Functions in Connected Wearables

Feature:
Function:

Alternative format User Manual
The User Manual is available in alternative formats