Accessing Potential Through Assistive Technology
New Accessibility Features in iOS 11

iOS 11 is the latest version of Apple’s iOS. It is currently supported on the following devices:

  • iPhone 5S, 6, 6 Plus, 6S and 6S Plus, SE, 7 and 7 Plus, 8 and 8 Plus, and the new iPhone X
  • iPad Air, Air 2, and 5th-gen iPad
  • iPad Mini 2, 3, and 4
  • iPad Pro
  • 6th-gen iPod Touch
  1. Smart invert
    1. Where color inversion inverts everything on the screen, smart invert inverts only the areas where it may be deemed necessary for someone who requires it. Otherwise, images stay true, and other insignificant elements of the user interface remain unchanged.
    2. To enable: launch settings from your home screen, tap general, tap accessibility, tap display accommodations, tap invert colors, tap the switch next to smart invert.
  2. Auto brightness
    1. When enabled, your screen will brighten or dim, depending on the lighting conditions around you. If you disable it, it may affect your overall battery life, but won’t mess with your eyes if lighting conditions change suddenly.
  3. Improved text detection
    1. Now when viewing an image with text in it, iOS 11 will automatically scan the image for text and read it aloud when VoiceOver is enabled.
  4. Improved photo descriptions
    1. iOS 11 will automatically scan an image to figure out what it contains and then read a description aloud to you, without needing to be prompted.
  5. Large text enhancements
    1. For those with the largest text selection chosen, system-wide enhancements have been made.
  6. Type to Siri
    1. Users with voice control issues can now interact with Siri by text, just by holding down the home button to activate it.
  7. Drag and Drop using VoiceOver
    1. Tap and hold an item and VoiceOver will read it aloud and tell you once you have drug it over to another app.
Applications and Resources for Community Living

The following list details applications for iOS and Android devices that are meant to enhance community living, whether it be by communication aids, social networks, or other resources useful for those that may be benefited by the use of assistive technology in the community.

Next Door – free, private social network for you, your neighbors and your community. It’s the easiest way to connect and talk with your neighbors about the things that matter in your neighborhood.

Every Block – “use EveryBlock Map to see where news, neighborhood talk, crime, business, 311 service requests or other activities are taking place…and join in.”

Patch – “If you’re looking for “everything local,” Patch is the app for you. Local schools? Check. Breaking news? Check. Homes for sale? We’ve got those, too.”

Freecycle – makes it easy for people to give away their unwanted but reusable items to people in their local community who can use them. People can post items to give away or request items from others in their local community.

Olio – connect with your neighbours and local shops so that surplus food, and other household items can be shared, not thrown away. Everything on OLIO is available for free or for donation.

IOBY – ioby mobilizes neighbors who have good ideas to become powerful citizen leaders who plan, fund and make positive change in their own neighborhoods.

Proloquo2Go – Proloquo2Go is an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) app used by people with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other diagnoses. It is available in English, Spanish, French, and Dutch for iPad, iPhone, iPod touch and Apple Watch.

Good Karma Applications – “exceptional mobile apps for people living exceptional lives”

Cough Drop – helps those with complex communication needs make their voices heard.

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  • dial 2-1-1 on your phone and be connected with an information and referral specialist that will help you find the services you need.
  • Website

Phoenix – local job placements for those with disabilities seeking work

For other assistive technology needs at home and your community, please visit al.at4all.com to view our AT loan library, which is completely free for residents of Alabama.

See our YouTube video on the subject with even more details here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roxtLYlh8Vw

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