[Trainer-talk] Which Android for fullaccessibility

Thu Aug 23 02:28:12 UTC 2012

Hello Jeanine,

I wish to correct some points in your message. As of the version of
Android called Ice Cream Sandwich, a DPad is no longer required. This
is because of a new feature called explore by touch that will read out
what anindividual touches on screen and allows for on-screen
interaction, kind of like what's available on the iPhone. Jellybean,
I.E Android 4.1 and 4.11 has introduced flicking and doubletapping
kind of like the iPHone, so you need a DPad even less. You're right
though that in older versions a DPad, keyboard or whiz wheel is
recommended for ease of access and lack of frustration, and at this
point I wouldn't even recommend a phone not running ICS or above,
although earlier versions are indeed usable. Furthermore, Mobile
Accessibility is not desirable in any version above 2.3 due to its
extreme buggyness. And most if not all phones with proprietary systems
or skins can indeed be removed. This is called rooting and flashing a
new version or different release on the phone, often improving
accessibility. While ths is beyond the scope of the average user, it
is still extremely doable, and if someone wishes to purchase the
latest HTC phone they shouldn't stop simply because the UI isn't the
best in the world as they could always get a new rom to put onto their
device. And most aplications, home screens, dialers, keyboards, and
everything else can be replaced with a much more accessible version.
It must be said though as I've already pointed out that if one wishes
to have the best accessibility out of the box, they can't do any
better than the Galaxy Nexus because it's the latest from Google, it
gets updates most often faster than the others, especially the
unlocked phones, and they're running the latest operating system.
However there are many other devices on the market, the Nexus wasn't
one of the ones listed on that list that was sent out, and it's
ultimately up to the user to do the research and to make the most
informed decision. that's one good point about Apple. There's only one
device by only one manufacturer, and you're guaranteed a uniform
experience.

Thanks.

On 8/22/12, Jeanine Lineback <jeanine.lineback at gmail.com> wrote:
> I also use an iPhone but where I work we did a training on
> Android phones.
> What I do know, is that in order for an Android phone to be as
> accessible as possible your client will need to make sure that 1.
> The phone has a (D Pad). This will allow her to navigate the
> menus and such without the necessity of using the touch screen as
> much. 2. She can get a phone with the Gingerbread or JellyBean
> operating systems.  Jellybean has more access built in than the
> Gingerbread release did. I believe the OS version numbers with
> some accessibility built in start at 1.6 and go up to Jellybean
> 4.1. 3. She should check with her cell phone provider to make
> sure that they have not used a proprietary menu system on top of
> or instead of what normally comes installed on the phone. (Some
> companies such as T-mobile have done things like using
> proprietary firmware that disabled and eliminated the
> accessibility features that would have been in place before they
> installed their firmware. Notice that I used the term firmware.
> This is because The proprietary software is often embedded into
> the firmware of the phone and therefore cannot just be
> uninstalled. 4. Talkback is the screen reader that is built into
> accessible versions of Android phones.
> Here are some resources where you and your client can look into
> this question more thoroughly. Most of these sites are done by
> people who are using Android phones and have firsthand
> experience. Be sure to check the dates on the articles, blogs and
> pod casts. I've noticed that in the world of Android there are so
> many variations on the phones that are available that you will
> see information from 2010 and earlier. But if you use that
> information you might find a phone that is no longer available on
> the market not to mention whether or not your clients cell phone
> provider has that particular phone and model.
>
> This link appears to be the most current as far as phones and
> apps for Android. http://thatandroidshow.com/
> This is the page for android accessibility straight from Google.
> http://eyes-free.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/documentation/android_a
> ccess/index.html
> Mobile Accessibility page from Code Factory. Keep in mind this is
> not a user site or a group of users this is a company whose
> purpose is to sell their product.
> http://www.codefactory.es/en/products.asp?id=415
> Spiel Project, A free screen reader for Android.
> http://spielproject.info/index
> Adventures In Android http://android-discovery.posterous.com/
> Another Google resource for the blind and Android
> http://www.apps4android.org/
> http://www.androidaccess.net/
> http://accessibleandroid.blogspot.com/
> List of and information on cell phones that are accessible.
> http://www.accessiblephones.com/
> A complete Android guide.
> http://www.completeguides.net/01_The_Complete_Android_Guide
> Okay that's about all I can locate for now. I wish you and your
> client the best in your search.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: trainer-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org
> [mailto:trainer-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of The Brandts
> Sent: August 22, 2012 3:15 PM
> To: List for teachers and trainers of adaptive technology
> Subject: Re: [Trainer-talk] Which Android for fullaccessibility
>
> Glenn,
>
> I think it's important to assess what features your client wants
> to be able to use with her cell phone.  I know many people who
> want it all, so a smart phone is the right fit; on the other end
> of the spectrum, I have known people who simply want to be able
> to make calls and receive them.  You mention that your client is
> not terribly tech savvy, so she may not want all the bells and
> whistles.  I worked with a woman not too long ago that fits that
> latter category:  she simply wanted to be able to keep the phone
> on her in case of emergencies.  She went for one of the Trac
> Phones because she could feel the number pad very well, and after
> some assistance with programming contacts, could use her voice to
> dial.
>
> I personally don't know much about the Androids, so I can't offer
> much there.  I wish you luck!
>
> Jan
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Linda Bloodsaw" <lbloodsaw2018 at gmail.com>
> To: <trainer-talk at nfbnet.org>; <glenn.ervin at nebraska.gov>;
> <glennervin at cableone.net>
> Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2012 1:20 PM
> Subject: [Trainer-talk] Fwd: [Electronics-talk] Which Android for
> fullaccessibility (fwd)
>
>
> Does anyone have an answer to Glenn's questions?
>
>
>
> Begin forwarded message:
>
>> From: Jude DaShiell <jdashiel at shellworld.net>
>> Date: August 22, 2012 3:17:48 AM EDT
>> To: electronics-talk at nfbnet.org
>> Subject: Re: [Electronics-talk] Which Android for full
> accessibility
>> (fwd)
>> Reply-To: Discussion of accessible electronics and appliances
>>
>>
>> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
>> Date: Tue, 21 Aug 2012 23:02:53
>> From: Glenn <glennervin at cableone.net>
>> Reply-To: The Accessible Phones Discussion List
>> <blindphones at mosenexplosion.com>
>> To: The Accessible Phones Discussion List
>> <blindphones at mosenexplosion.com>
>> Subject: Re: Which Android for full accessibility
>>
>> Well, if nobody here can recommend one of these, or eliminate
> any,
>> maybe someone here can let me know how to get the screenreader
> going
>> on an Android, so I can inform the guy at the cell store.
>> I really thought that there would be some Android users here.
>> Feel free to post my request to another list, as this gal needs
> help
>> right away, she is now without a phone, and this company has no
> loaner
>> phones, and you cannot return a phone once you get it.
>> So she really needs some guidance ASAP.
>>
>> Glenn
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Ervin, Glenn" <glenn.ervin at nebraska.gov>
>> To: <blindphones at mosenexplosion.com>
>> Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2012 7:26 PM
>> Subject: Which Android for full accessibility
>>
>>
>> Hi,
>> A client of mine wants to stay with her local-based phone
> company, so
>> they have only a limited selection of phones, but she does not
> wish to
>> switch companies.
>> I talked to the guy at the company for her, and he sent me a
> list of
>> the android phones they have, and my client will need to choose
> from
>> one of these.
>> She will be using either the built-in screenreader, or perhaps
> she
>> will need to spend a hundred bucks for Mobile Speak, I don't
> know how
>> to direct her, since I use an iPhone.
>> But here's the list, and I'm hoping that someone here can
> advise
>> regarding the screenreader, such as Steel, or which would be
> best, or
>> if she should use MS.
>> She is not very computer savvy, and she has never used a smart
> phone,
>> so this is a consideration as well.  She was using one of the
>> some-what accessible LG non-smart phones before.
>> The list is:
>>
>> samsung galaxy Y
>> alcatel ot-908
>> alcatel ot-990a
>> samsung s5690 xcover
>> alcatel ot- 995
>>
>> That is the list, so if anyone knows which is best with a
>> screenreader, I will pass that along.
>> Thanks.
>> Glenn
>>
>>
>>
>> Glenn Ervin, Orientation Counselor II - CVRCB Nebraska
> Commission for
>> the Blind & V.I.
>> http://www.ncbvi.ne.gov/
>> Our Mission:
>> Empowering Blind Individuals, Promoting Opportunities, and
> Building
>> Belief in the Blind.
>> PH: 402 370 3438
>>
>> toll-free:
>> 877 809 2419
>> You received this message because you subscribed to the
> Accessible
>> Phones Discussion List.
>>
>> If you don't want to receive messages from this list anymore,
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