Apple IPhone Accessibility Features

Device Modeled: Iphone 13 Pro Max

IOS 16
By: Geralynn Otero
Overview:
Today we will discuss 5 accessibility features that can be used during our BYOD days:
1. Hearing:
- Sound Recognition
2. Physical and Motor:
- Reachability
3. Vision:
- VoiceOver
4. Hearing
- LED Flash for Alerts
5. General:
- Siri
Sound Recognition
What is Sound Recognition and How can we use it ?
Sound Recognition is a great feature for my students that are hearing impaired.
When this feature is turned on, the iphone will listen for certain sounds such as
doorbells, sirens, babies crying, and will then notify the user about these sounds.

Lets Try It,

Go into your settings and choose accessibility, then scroll to Sound Recognition
Settings->Accessibility->Sound Recognition
Siri
Hey Siri, What is Siri ?
“Hey Siri, Can you tell me what are 5 Accessibility Features of an Iphone”
This feature is one of my favorite features, Siri can open apps, turn settings on and off. Siri also
helps with VoiceOver and reads what is clicked or touched when this feature is turned on.
Siri can be used:
- When type to Siri is on
- When phone is covered or face down
- To hang up Facetime and Audio Calls
Lets Try It,
Go into your setting, scroll down to accessibility scroll to the very bottom and select Siri. You
should now see different options on how to use Siri as we’ve went over the list above.
Settings->Accessibility->Siri
VoiceOver
What is a VoiceOver and How can we use it?
VoiceOver gives an audible description of what is on your phone screen which can be
- Battery Percentage
- Incoming Calls
- Apps
VoiceOver will speak the name of the items that your fingers are dragging over.
Lets try it.
Go into your settings, scroll down to accessibility, at the very top click the VoiceOver.
You will be able to speed or slow down the speaking rate, you will also have a list of
other items such as typing, speech, commands and etc that you are able to make
changes to based on your preference.
Settings->Accessibility->VoiceOver
LED Flash for Alerts
Why does your phone keep flashing ?
LED Flash for Alerts can be used if you can not hear the sounds for incoming calls
or other notifications. The LED will flash only if the phone is locked.
- This feature is great for my students who have a hearing impairment.
Lets try it,
Go into your settings, scroll down to Audio/ Visual. At the very bottom click on
LED Flash for Alerts. You now have 3 options to choose from,
- LED Flash for Alerts
- Flash While Unlocked
- Flash in Silent Mode
Settings->Accessibility->Audio/Visual->LED Flash for Alerts
Reachability
What If I can only use one hand?
Reachability allows for users to reach the top of their iphone screen with one
hand while they are in portrait mode. Reachability lowers the top portion of the
screen so that it is earlier to access within thumbs reach.

Lets try it,

Go into your settings, scroll down to accessibility, scroll to Touch and turn on
reachability, then put your finger at the bottom of your screen swiping down, this
will shrink the screen making it into thumbs reach.