What Is Mobile Device Accessibility?

Have you ever found yourself squinting at your phone trying to read a text message you just received? Or felt like the light from your screen was brighter than the sun? If so, you’re not alone.

Mobile devices, like smartphones and tablets, come with many pre-installed settings that can customize the device so that it can be used by anyone, regardless of need or ability.

For most of us, this might mean changing sound or display settings like increasing text size to make the device more user-friendly. These settings all live together in their own category called Accessibility. These options are included on all mobile devices to help users avoid the situations mentioned above, as well as many others.

 To locate accessibility options, open your device’s Settings menu (look for the gear icon). Accessibility will be an option in the list of settings. Tap to select Accessibility and you will see a sub-menu of categories that include assistance options for vision, hearing, and dexterity. This is where you can find and turn on screen readers, color filters, large print text, closed captioning, and more. Exact settings differ between devices, so refer to the Apple and Android help pages for more detailed information.

Mobile accessibility doesn’t stop with device settings—many apps have also been created to make mobile devices even more helpful for users! These apps can help people with or without disabilities perform certain tasks with greater ease or independence.

Learn more by attending one of the Library’s upcoming technology programs! Register for Mobile Device Accessibility: Features and Apps (available at numerous MCPL locations) on the MCPL Events webpage.  

Anna C.
Consumer Technology Specialist