If your campus or organization runs on Google tools like Workspace and Chrome, you might already be familiar with the array of Google products designed to make everyone's work day (or fun day!) even better.
In this blog, we'll examine some of Google’s accessibility tools and how they go beyond boosting productivity for a diverse workforce and empower people in many aspects of their lives.
Cognitive
- Action Blocks (Android)
Put your everyday tasks at your fingertips on Android. Just tap a custom widget on your home screen to get things done. Android Accessibility: Introducing Action Blocks (video) - Get image descriptions on Chrome (Chrome and Android)
"When a screen reader encounters an image or graphic without a description, Chrome will create one." According to Dominic Mazzoni, author of the blog referenced above, AI-generated ALT text is not "as good as those written by a human," but it can make a difference for someone by providing more context, allowing for a better understanding of the content.
Hearing
- Live Caption (Android)
Automatically caption speech from phone calls, videos, and other media without Wi-Fi or cell phone data.
Introducing Live Caption on Android (video) - Live Caption (Chrome)
Get automatic captions for any media you play in the Chrome browser. How to use Live Caption (video)
Mobility
- Camera Switches (Android)
Turn Android's front-facing camera into a switch and navigate your phone with eye movements and facial gestures. Camera Switches | Navigate your phone with facial gestures (video) - Gboard (Android & iOS)
Gboard is a virtual keyboard app for smartphones and tablets that includes features to make typing easier. Features include Seamless Voice Typing, Glide Typing, Handwriting, and Morse Code, which works with accessibility services like TalkBack, Switch Access, or Select to Speak.
Speech
- Project Relate (Android)
The Android beta app provides tools for easier communication for those with nonstandard speech. Project Relate - Communication made easier (video)
Vision
- Lookout (Android)
Lookout uses computer vision and generative AI to help people who are blind or visually impaired navigate their surroundings. Users can use Lookout to read text and documents, sort mail, and put away groceries. Lookout: An assistive app for users with vision impairments - ChromeVox (Chrome)
A built-in screen reader with features like voice switching, speech customization, and improved navigation. Users can personalize the voice and speech settings for a comfortable experience. Using ChromeVox
Whether you use Live Caption for your phone calls and videos or are looking for an easier way to interact with your mobile keyboard, Google's commitment to accessibility empowers everyone to get the most out of their Android and Chrome experience.
