For Developers
The Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative (GARI) is a project designed to help people identify those features on mobile phones and other devices that may be able to assist them with their unique needs related to vision, hearing, speech, dexterity, or cognition.
While the devices have a range of accessibility-related features, smartphones have the ability to extend their usefulness even further through the use of applications. Therefore, GARI is now adding information on apps to the database, and we invite app developers to participate in the project by registering your accessibility-related apps with us.
Who runs GARI?
GARI is a voluntary project run by the Mobile & Wireless Forum, an international trade association that represents companies with an interest in mobile and wireless communications.
How comprehensive is the GARI database?
In just four years GARI has expanded significantly with information now available on over 1100 models of phones in many languages covering all regions of the world. In addition, the GARI database has been incorporated into the websites of the Federal Communications Commission in the U.S. and the Consumer Forum of Malaysia as well as national trade association websites in the U.S., Canada, Austria and Australia (see more examples on the page Examples of GARI in use).
Does it cost anything to register my apps?
No. The core idea of the project is to help people identify devices that might assist them with their particular needs. By including information on accessibility-related apps, we are just trying to show how the functionality and usefulness of the device might be further enhanced.
Can I register any type of app?
We are not developing a general ‘app store’, but rather only want to highlight those apps that are focussed on enhancing the accessibility of the device for the user. We particularly welcome apps designed to help those with vision, hearing, speech, dexterity, or cognition limitations, and might include, for example, apps designed to read out text, help a user identify colours, or simplify usage.
Can I register apps that are for sale?
Yes. You can register apps that are free as well as those that are available for purchase.The apps will not be offered for sale on the GARI site itself but we will provide links to your website and to the online store where they are available if you provide that information to us.
What is the process for registering the apps?
Click on the link to the Application Developers Registration and fill-in the pre-registration form. This will provide us with some basic information about yourself and the apps that you develop. Once we have reviewed this, we will email you a link to complete the registration process for each app that you want to add to the site.
How will the apps be displayed?
The applications will be displayed in conjunction with devices that run the operating system that you specify. Once a user has found a device or devices that they are interested in, they will have the opportunity to view all the available accessibility applications that we have details on. Alternatively, users can look up your app and then select a link to see which devices that it will work on.
Who can I contact for more information?
If you are interested in learning more, accessibility@mwfai.org
OK, how do I get started?
If you want to list your accessibility related app please begin by going to the Application Developers Registration page.
If you have already registered, then login here: Application Developers Login
And finally, don't forget to build accessibility into your apps from the very beginning. We have links to various resources here: Building Accessible Applications