(Our Tech Blog) Android animate communication devices have many in the market. Generally this type operated gadget with touch screen and are rarely equipped with physical navigation buttons. This is what inhibits the visually impaired to be able to use it, but by no means blind people can not use it.
Well, this article will review some steps that can be done to make the gadgets Android "accessible" for the blind.
Before the touch-screen technology is implemented on the communication gadgets, blind people can easily use most of the existing communications products.
They usually memorize the button layout, and use screen reader technology that can read information on-screen gadget.
However, when touch-screen technology was introduced, the blind was confronted with the conditions in which they can no longer memorize the location or shortcut key, considering the touch screen gadget there is no physical form buttons. If any, are usually limited to the ON / OFF, the Power button, or buttons to raise and decrease the volume.
This has begun to overcome the Apple (iPhone, iPad, Mac) which has brought the screen reader technology called Voice Over. Visually impaired can use the Voice Over to navigate and access application that is presented on the touchscreen.
Android?
Then, what about Google's platform, Android?
Because the OS is still relatively new, plus the status of open source, then the development of Accessibility API (application programming interface that allows for the visually impaired to work) had not been for the rest, aka corn still in the growth stage.
These circumstances would create a visually impaired can not fully enjoy the gadgets that run using the Android OS, the article most of the Android device using the touch screen as an interface and input information.
However, there are some tricks that can be done so that blind people can use gadgets Android.
It should be noted that the question of accessibility on the Android operating system is still in WIP stage aka work in progress, meaning that although Android is usable by the visually impaired, but the level of accessibility can not be equated with gadgets Symbian OS or Windows.
For example, screen readers that are available do not yet have shortcut keys, for example, to spell words, read a sentence or a paragraph, to access the signal and battery, or perform other specific commands should be executed by pressing certain button combinations.
In addition, some applications such as congenital Android Browser, Camera, and e-mail client is still not accessible to screen readers, so users need a third-party applications.
But, it could not hurt to try, especially for the visually impaired who are curious to try out Android.
Choosing the right gadgets
Choose a minimum of gadgets Android has a physical navigation keys to move the cursor up down left right and enter (trackball, trackpad, D-pad). The author recommends Nexus one who still has the physical navigation buttons, or Motorola Milestone 2, which has a QWERTY keyboard. Two of these devices that I use for testing, and has proved accessible to the visually impaired.
Try also choose the gadgets that are still using the default Android standard menu. Examples of gadgets that do not use the standard menu Android is the HTC Sense. It is feared that screen readers will not be able to interact with an interface customized by a third party, so the authors suggest to avoid the gadgets that the menu has been modified.
If you want to select another product (still have no physical navigation buttons), check first in the Settings> Accessibility, whether in it there is a screen reader called congenital Android Talkback. If no, please use the gadget.
Make sure the selected gadget also has the Android OS at least version 2.2.
Installing the application needed
There are so many applications that can be used visually impaired in Android, but this time the author gives only the important ones, anyway, blind users can access the basic features of Android.
Generally, the authors recommend the application for free and can be obtained directly through the Android Market.
First, install the application Eyes-Free Shell to home screens become easier to use. Eyes-Free Shell allows blind people to access information such as network signal, battery power, the application list, and others.
Next, install the application ideal Accessibility Installer. This program serves raises any application that needs to be installed in gadgets for the visually impaired users, so no need to bother looking at the market.
Next, install a screen reader called Spiel. This is not mandatory, because Talkback sufficient. However, Spiel has the additional features required of active users with visual impairments and require additional information, such as a number of items on the menu.
Activate the screen reader
Ask for sighted people to enable the screen reader found on the Settings> Accessibility. Talkback Run as screen readers, can also activate Soundback that will mute when a finger touches the object on the screen, Kickback or gadget that will thrill when the finger is moved and found objects on the screen.
If Spiel already installed, you should turn off Spiel Talkback and use as a primary screen reader. Of course the user can change the screen reader as needed.
The four main buttons
In Android gadgets, there are four main buttons, either physical or touch. Each location is different gadgets and how to activate it, but for the Nexus one-button touch this button-shaped and is located at the bottom of the screen.
Remember the function of these keys because it will be very useful in the operation of the gadget.
BACK - Its function is to return to the previous screen. If the finger is placed for a few seconds it will activate the home screen.
MENU - Bring up the options, it will adjust to running applications.
HOME - Return to the home screen position (in accordance with the attached or elected). If the finger is placed for a few seconds will bring up a list of recently used applications.
SEARCH - Bring up the search dialog box like the Google search engine, can be used to search the contents of the website or phone. If the finger is placed a few seconds it will display the function of Voice Search.
How to navigate
To move the cursor on the menu option, use the trackball / D-Pad up and down. If the menu grid format, then in addition to the up and down, the cursor can be moved to the left and right.
To activate the desired menu, click the enter button.
Phone access to the Free-Eyes Shell
Authors recommend installing the home screen as it will facilitate the visually impaired to access the various functions of mobile phones. Press the Home button, then the Free-Eyes Shell will be active. If the phone is attached more than one home screen, then choose Free-Eyes Shell.
Now, place a finger in the middle of the screen. Imagine the center of the screen position as the number 5, means that the left is 4, right side is 6, top left is 1, the top is 2, top right is 3, and so on (remember the pattern of telephone dial buttons).
To find a network signal, put your finger in the middle of the screen (think finger positions in figure 5), then slide it up (figure 2), then to the left (figure 1), and release.
To access the application list in alphabetical order, put your finger in the middle of the screen (figure 5), then slide down (figure 8), then release.
For other functions please refer to the documentation that came with Free-Eyes Shell. The author only gives examples of its use alone.
Cover
Since every gadget Android different layout and contents, the authors could not provide further details about how to find specific items. The author can only explain the outline only, and may the contents of this article can be a picture of how the visually impaired about gadgets can enable Android.
In addition, the limitations of the device makes the writer can not experiment with other Android gadgets. It is therefore expected to help the reader to experiment with the gadgets that Android is found and seemed to have a specification that the authors mentioned above.
When an application requires a more accessible, you can access and buy www.codefactory.es Mobile Accessibility, applications for Android contains 10 programs that can be used by the visually impaired (Web, calendar, GPS, etc.).
If you are interested in discussing the steps above, or find another Android gadgets are accessible, please contact the author via e-mail at ramavgm@gmail.com or via Twitter at @ ramadityaknight. Information and advice given will be very useful for blind people in Indonesia who wish to use Android gadgets.
Good luck!
About the Author: Eko Ramaditya blind dictatorial is a blogger who enjoyed the digital world and information technology. Her blog can be read in http://ramaditya.com/.
