[imagesource: Apple]

Happy Global Accessibility Awareness Day, or GAAD.

Each year, on the third Thursday in May, GAAD raises awareness focusing on digital access and inclusion for the more than one billion people with disabilities and impairments.

Leading the charge on this front is Apple, which prides itself on making its technology more widely available to users across its hardware, software and customer support platforms.

The company wants to ensure that everyone has equal access to its devices, regardless of physical capability or experience with technology by creating instructional videos and infographics to guide you through its Accessibility Features.

CNN breaks it down:

Apple is featuring apps like Speech Blurbs, a speech therapy app for kids, and Rogervoice, a free app that subtitles voice calls and allows you to talk back either by voice or typing. Voice Dream and The ASL App also make an appearance on the list.

The App Store also has a roundup of apps that Apple recommends for parents and kids who are transitioning to remote learning.

There are also features that are already on your iPhone or iPad.

First, you’ll need to find the Accessibility shortcuts:

Accessibility Shortcuts

Got it? Let’s check out some of the Accessibility Features:

Magnifier

Magnifier works like a digital magnifying glass, and uses the camera on your iPhone or iPad to increase the size of anything that you point it at.

This feature works well if you struggle with small text, but can be used for a range of applications.

Voice Control

Voice Control allows you to use your voice to do anything that a mouse click or tap on the display can do. You’ll be able to instruct Siri in navigating your home screen, apps, or a website. You could even make an online purchase using only your voice.

This feature is ideal for those with limited motor function or who are unable to use their hands.

Assistive Touch

AssistiveTouch enables a digital home button on your screen. Tap it and it will show you Notifications, Device, Control Centre, Home, Gestures and Custom by default. The feature is designed to minimise physical load when engaging with swipe-ups and other commands.

Remember, if you’re in the market for an iPhone, MacBook, or any other Apple product, head on over to Digicape, South Africa’s largest independent Apple retailer.

They’ll also accept up to five of your old devices as a trade-in against the purchase of any new product.

If you’re trading in an old iPhone, here’s how to return it to factory settings:

Props to those tech companies that prioritise making their products accessible, and a happy Global Accessibility Awareness Day to all.

You’ll find more ways to take full advantage of your Apple products, here.

[source:cnn]