Many computers, smartphones, tablets, and other devices have accessibility features to make your device easier to use. These settings are designed to make tasks related to vision, mobility, hearing, speech, and cognitive abilities possible. If you plan on using a mobile device for part of your online learning experience it can be helpful to play around with accessibility settings, explore, and find something that works for you.

For example, one of the cons of smartphones (mentioned earlier in this module) is their smaller screen size. If you are planning on using your phone for a lot of reading, it may be helpful to learn how to use accessibility settings to enlarge text. This can be helpful to reduce eye strain, improve overall comfort, help you read at the gym while walking, and more. It puts you in control of your learning– the less physical effort we have to put in, the more energy we can use to pay attention to what we are trying to learn.

No matter if you end up using these settings or not, it is helpful to be aware of the different options you have available in case the need pops up.

Making text easier to read

Most devices let you adjust font size, use bold fonts, change color contrast, and more to make text easier to read.

If you have a different device that isn’t listed here, feel free to search around for focus settings or notification controls– most devices these days have these settings.

Using alternative touch to control your device

Designed for mobility accessibility, these settings let you use custom gestures (like a simple tap) to perform more complex everyday actions, like locking your screen or adjusting volume. This can be helpful if you are in a situation where you can’t use the buttons on your phone like if your phone’s buttons break, you are in a cast, or have a permanent mobility disability.

How to set up assistive touch on iPhone
How to set up accessibility menu on Android
If you have a different device that isn’t listed here, feel free to search around for focus settings or notification controls– most devices these days have these settings.

Adjusting audio settings

Audio accessibility settings are where you can explore noise cancellation options, adjust Left/Right speakers (helpful for headphones that aren't working perfectly), play background sounds and more.

How to adjust audio settings on iPhone
How to play background sounds on iPhone
If you have a different device that isn’t listed here, feel free to search around for focus settings or notification controls– most devices these days have these settings.