The Apple iPad has a number of accessibility features built into the device’s hardware and operating system, including assistive technologies for the visually and hearing impaired as well as those with physical or motor skills impairments. Apple’s gesture-based screen reader and VoiceOver are enhancements that make the device more usable for the blind and visually impaired. Additional features include visual alerts, mono audio output, and closed captioning support. Apple’s AssistiveTouch technology supports multi-touch gestures and the use of adaptive input devices, such as headsets and switches.
Apple strives to make their devices, operating systems, and applications as accessible as possible; however, they do not control the accessibility of third party applications. Apple provides detailed iOS Human Interface Guidelines for developers, which outline strategies for accessible application development.
To learn more about iPad and accessibility, visit the following websites:
- To learn more about the iPad’s accessibility features and assistive technologies, visit Apple’s iPad Accessibility Website.
- Apple also provides a list of community resources and third-party accessibility solutions on their Accessibility Resources page.
- Creating Accessible iBooks Textbooks with iBooks Author, by Carl and Ruth Shapiro Family National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM) at the WGBH Educational Foundation
- OT's with Apps - iOS Accessibility
- AppleVis - IOS Apps Accessible Review
CSUN Resources and Forms
- CSUN's Universal Design Center has many resources and guidelines regarding accessibility.
- CSUN has created a step-by-step guide for testing mobile apps for accessibility.