Overcoming Handicap with Mobile Phones: A Guide for People with Disabled Hands
Technology has quickly revolutionized the way we communicate and engage with the world. In the United States, for instance, it is estimated that 96% of all adults own a mobile phone, and 81% of these devices are smartphones. However, for people with disabled hands, using mobile phones may seem like an impossible feat. Thankfully, there are ways to overcome this challenge. This guide explores some of the most effective strategies for people with disabled hands to utilize mobile phones.
Accessible Smartphones
Mobile phone manufacturers have become increasingly aware of the need to make their devices user-friendly for people with disabilities. As such, they have created accessible smartphones equipped with features such as voice commands, dictation, and gesture recognition. For instance, Apple’s iOS has a voice control feature that allows users to navigate their phones using spoken commands. Additionally, both iOS and Android provide various keyboard apps such as Gboard and SwiftKey keyboard, amongst others, which offer unique features for persons with disabilities, including one-handed typing, visual enhancements, and predictive text.
Custom Keyboards
People with hand disabilities can also leverage custom keyboards to overcome the barriers caused by conventional mobile phone keyboards. These third-party keyboards provide innovative feature sets that make typing easier and more accessible for people with disabilities. One such example is the Swype keyboard. This app enables handwriting, continuous touch-to-text technology, gestures, and word-predictions, allowing users to type using only one hand. Another third-party keyboard is Fleksy, which allows for touch typing and gesture-based controls that enable word prediction.
Assistive Touch
Assistive Touch is an iOS feature that allows people with physical disabilities or difficulties to customize their mobile phone usage. The feature creates virtual buttons and controls, enabling persons with limited hand dexterity to operate their devices with ease. Users can customize the virtual menu by adding or removing buttons to do a variety of tasks like volume, notifications, and more.
Smartphone Accessories
A range of smartphone accessories exists that are designed for people with disabilities, aimed at making mobile phone usage more comfortable for them. An example of such accessories is the PopSockets that attaches at the back of the phone and functions as a handle, which provides an increased grip, making it more comfortable and secure to hold smartphones. GripTight Pro Phone is another example of an innovative smartphone accessory designed to aid individuals with hand disabilities providing them with a non-slip, ergonomic, and adjustable handle that can hold phones in any orientation.
Conclusion
Overcoming Handicap with Mobile Phones: A Guide for People with Disabled Hands shows that there are many possible methods to make using mobile phones easier for persons with disabilities. Technologies like accessible smartphones, custom keyboards, Assistive Touch, and various smartphone accessories can help people with hand disabilities operate their devices with greater ease and comfort. However, adapting to these tech solutions may take some time, patience, and practice. With the tips highlighted, people with disabilities can empower themselves and take advantage of everything modern mobile technology has to offer.
