Using Features

Learn how to use GARI

• by watching this video guide (don't forget to turn on the closed captioning!)

Once you have found a device that has accessibility features that work for you, it is important to know how to find and activate these features. For this reason, the MWF has created a series of short 1-2 minute videos to explain how to activate the screen-reader, noise cancellation, the dictation function, flashlight notifications, invert colours, adjust text size and much more:

• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvwTMEqvWD3BWx2tmxYGDUA

Guidance by manufacturers

The device manufacturers also provide in-depth explanations on the accessibility features in their products:

• Apple: https://www.apple.com/accessibility/
• Google: https://guidebooks.google.com/pixel/accessibility-features/how-to-find-accessibility-features?hl=en
• Honor: https://www.hihonor.com/uk/club/topicdetail/tips-tricks-accessibility-features-very-useful/topicid-24648/
• Huawei: https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/content/en-us15950769/
• LG: https://www.lg.com/us/mobile-phones/VS985/Userguide/444.html
• Motorola Mobility: https://www.motorola.com/us/about/corporate-responsibility-consumers
• Samsung: https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00062641/
• Sony: https://www.sony.net/Products/smartphones/accessibility/overview.html

Additionally, Google publishes a series of videos on accessibility features in Android: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL590L5WQmH8ce6ZPBbh0v1XVptLJXmQ0K

And here you find a collection of vidoes on iOS accessibility: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIl2EzNYri0cLtSlZowttih25VnSvWITu

More training on using features

When you have mastered the first steps with the accessibility features on your device, you can explore the following free resources to learn and train further:

• GSMA Mobile Internet Skills Training Toolkit (MISTT), a set of free resources to teach people the basic skills they need to access and use mobile interne: https://www.gsma.com/mobilefordevelopment/mistt/
• CAST AEM Centre's self-paced five-module online learning series to “Build Your Accessibility Skillsâ€?: https://aem.cast.org/learning-series/online-learning-series-accessible-materials-technologies
• AbilityNet's My Computer My Way with step by step instructions on how to adapt your phone, computer or tablet to meet your needs: https://mcmw.abilitynet.org.uk/
• University of Colorado Denver's overview on Accessibility Features by Platform: https://www.ucdenver.edu/centers/center-for-inclusive-design-and-engineering/community-engagement/colorado-assistive-technology-act-program/technology-and-transition-to-employment#accessibility
• University of Pittsburgh's resource page on accessibility features in Smartphones & Tablets: https://www.wirelessrerc.pitt.edu/smartphonesandtablets

GARI research project 2021

Following the request from GARI users, the MWF launched a research project analyzing to what extend accessible mobile technologies can bridge the gap in assistive technology provision. Based on this research, two papers have been published:

• Funding and Provision Models for Mobile Technology for Persons with Disabilities: https://ebooks.iospress.nl/volumearticle/63223 

• Accessible Consumer Electronics Are Essential to Closing the Gap in Assistive Technology Provision: https://ebooks.iospress.nl/doi/10.3233/SHTI230629   

• Accessible Mobile Phones: Bridging the Gap in AT Provision and Service Delivery: https://www.gari.info//docs/eng/2024_04_ATOB_V18_FINAL-1.pdf   

Figure 1: Screenshot of the two published GARI papers