Accessibility Features

Android systems prioritize accessibility for individuals with physical impairments by offering features that allow customization for easier device interaction. Switch Access, for example, enables users to control their devices using external switches or keyboards, providing an alternative input method. Moreover, gesture-based navigation and voice commands empower users with limited dexterity to navigate through menus, launch apps, and perform various tasks, ensuring an inclusive mobile experience.

Let’s delve into the native features provided by the Android tablet.

• Switch Access

Switch Access allows the user to interact with their Android device using one or more switches instead of the touch screen. This feature can be beneficial for individuals with dexterity impairments that hinder direct interaction with the Android device.

The user can rely on Switch Access to scan the items on the screen, highlighting each item in sequence until a selection is made. To utilize Switch Access, the user will need one or more switches, and there are various types of switches available.

• External switch: A switch refers to a device that transmits a keystroke signal to the Android device. Various companies, including AbleNet, Enabling Devices, RJ Cooper, and Tecla, offer such devices. These switches establish a connection with the Android device either through USB or Bluetooth. (It’s important to note that Google does not endorse these companies or their products.)
• External keyboard: You have the option to configure a standard USB or Bluetooth keyboard to function as a switch device by assigning one or more of its keys to specific actions.
• Utilization of buttons on the Android device: The built-in buttons on your Android device, such as the volume up and volume down buttons, can also be designated for specific actions. However, this option is primarily designed for developers. If you opt for this method, you can skip the initial two setup steps outlined in the following article.

These steps outline the process of setting up Switch Access for your Android device.

Step 1: Connect switches to your Android device

For users employing an external switch device or keyboard, the initial step is to establish a connection with your Android device.

• USB: Connect the switch or keyboard to your Android device using a compatible USB cable.
• Bluetooth: On your Android device, navigate to Settings > Bluetooth. Refer to the documentation for your switch or keyboard for more instructions, or learn about connecting to Bluetooth devices.

Step 2: Enable the on-screen keyboard

Upon connecting an external switch device or keyboard, Android automatically hides the on-screen keyboard. To input text with Switch Access, you must re-enable the keyboard.

To re-enable the on-screen keyboard

1) Open the Settings app on your Android device

2) Select Language & input. Follow the steps based on your Android version:

• Android 7.0 and later: Choose Physical keyboard > Show virtual keyboard
• Android 6.0 and earlier: Choose Current keyboard > Hardware (Show input method)

Step 3: Choose basic scanning settings

Select your basic scanning settings to align with your preferences and the number of switches you have. If you wish to experiment with a different setup later, you can always modify your settings.

• Voice Access

If interacting with a touch screen poses challenges, the Voice Access app offers the capability to command the users device using spoken instructions. User can employ their voice to initiate apps, move around, and edit text without the need for hands-on interaction. Voice Access is presently available in a restricted beta release and supports English exclusively.

User’s Guidance

Step 1: Device Compatibility

Before installing Voice Access, ensure your device meets the following criteria:

• Required: Android version 5.0 or later. Check your Android version in Settings > About phone or About tablet.
• Required: Google app. Download or update the Google app from Google Play to ensure you have the latest version.
• Recommended: Enable “Ok Google” detection from any screen. Learn how to activate “Ok Google.”
• Recommended: Install Google Now Launcher from Google Play.

Step 2: Voice Access Installation

1) Download Voice Access from Google Play.

Step 3: Voice Access Activation

To enable Voice Access, follow these steps:

1) Open your device’s Settings app

2) Navigate to Accessibility and tap Voice Access.

3) Toggle the On/Off switch at the top.

4) Access your notification shade.

5) Tap the Voice Access notification labeled “Touch to start.”

6) Speak a command, such as “Open Gmail.”

Upon the first activation of Voice Access, two additional steps guide you:

• A guide to “Ok Google” settings ensures an optimal hands-free experience.
• An interactive tutorial explains how Voice Access functions.
• Google Assistant

Enables users to accomplish numerous tasks through voice commands. These tasks encompass making phone calls, reading, composing and sending emails and text messages, controlling smart home appliances, opening applications, obtaining basic information like time, date, and weather, conducting Google searches, listening to the news, playing music, creating shopping lists, viewing and creating reminders, adding items to the calendar, setting alarms, performing mathematical calculations, reviewing photos, setting a kitchen timer, translating language, converting measurements and currencies, and more.