Practical Uses for Mobile Technologies in the Workplace:

1. Practical Uses for Mobile Technologies in the Workplace: Korey Singleton Manager, Assistive Technology Initiative George Mason University April 3, 2012

2. Introduction • Korey Singleton, Mason’s ATI Manager • Mission of ATI:…provide individuals with disabilities an accessible university environment by supporting access to all technological, architectural, and educational resources available at George Mason University through the incorporation of assistive technologies… • What to learn more about the ATI?? • http://accessibility.gmu.edu • http://ati.gmu.edu • http://webaccessibility.gmu.edu

3. Today’s Agenda • Introduction • What You’ll Learn • Brief Overview of Today’s Most Popular Mobile OS’ • Practical Uses in the Workplace • Off-the-Shelf vs. Task-Specific • Areas for Improvement • Summary • Q&A

4. Learning Outcomes • Identify two popular mobile operating systems. • Identify a mobile app that is well-suited to support mild hearingloss. • Compare the relative cost of specially designed devices forindividuals with disabilities to the costs of those devices designed for the general population. • Identify one area where off-the-shelf mobile devices do not need to be improved to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities.

5. Mobile OS Review

6. Android OS (Google) There are several different types of phones worldwide that are running some version of the Android OS – Approximately 1 in 2 smartphones now running Android [1] Latest Release: v4.0.3 (phone), v3.2 (tablets) All Android versions starting with v1.6 or later have some built-in support for speech output and accessibility Major problem in terms of accessibility: Android versions are not standardized across all manufacturers, platforms, etc.

7. Android OS Accessibility • Basic built-in accessibility– much improved in v4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) • Moved much closer to accessibility out of the box • New – “Explore by Touch” feature now in v4.0 • v4.0 Accessibility Videos: • Turning on Accessibility • Explorer the Launcher • Using the Onscreen Keyboard • Understanding the Galaxy Nexus

8. Android OS Accessibility cont.… • Problems still exist overall: • User experiences may differ – Carriers and device manufacturers will sometimes create customized versions of the Android OS. For example, HTC ships phones that include a custom user interface called HTC Sense. Samsung, LG, and Motorola could also change the user interfaces if they choose. • There is no guarantee that devices with customized interfaces include accessibility support.

9. iOS (Apple) • Versions are same across all platforms (i.e., iPod Touch, iPhone, iPad). • What does this mean? • More uniformity in terms of accessibility • No learning curve - If you know how to use one device, it is easy to use another • User experiences are the same! • Latest Release: v5.1 • Apps that come with OS (i.e. mail, messaging, calendar, contacts, notes, calculator, internet, app store, maps) are accessible

10. iOS Accessibility Many built-in features: VoiceOver Zoom/Contrast Large Text Custom Vibrations (iPhone) Mono Audio Assistive Touch Tactile buttons Siri (iPhone 4S)

11. Windows Phone OS (Microsoft) • Like iOS, there is uniformity in terms of the operating system. However, several different phones available (i.e., HTC, Nokia, Samsung) similar to Android OS. • Latest Release: v7.5 (Mango) • v8.0 beta out now…accessibility features much improved in this version.

12. Windows Phone OS Accessibility V7.5 update added some accessibility improvements Tiles (contrast/color) Improved Speech (text, web, calling) Now includes ability to read an incoming text message Use Speech Video Visual voicemail Custom ringtones Improved media messaging

13. Symbian Belle OS (Nokia) • Symbian Belle is the mobile OS for all Nokia handsets. • Most popular mobile OS in 2011!![2] • Market share mostly result of overseas markets (Asia, UK, Europe, Africa) • Lower-end smartphones in terms of specs

14. Symbian Belle OS Accessibility • Nokia emphasizes accessibility! • http://www.nokiaaccessibility.com • Some built-in accessibility (i.e., screen reader, zoom, etc.) • Improved accessibility achieved many through 3rd party vendors which support a limited number of models • Future in doubt – As of Sept. 2010, Nokia has partnered with Microsoft to market Windows Mobile 7[3] as their primary mobile OS

15. Most Popular OS Android and iOS remain two most utilized mobile OS’. iOS and Windows Phone 7 are most well-liked.[4] Although well-liked though, Windows Phone 7 sales in 4Q 2011 were at least 20 times less than that of Android or iOS. [5]

16. Mobile OS Share of Handset Sales[6] iOS and Android market share nearly identical at 43% and 47%, respectively. iOS increase likely due to sale of iPhone 4S

17. Types of Devices – Mix of Handset Sales[6] Smartphones now account for almost 70% of all phones sold. That’s up from 50% a year ago.

18. Smartphones and Tablets in the Workplace • Recent study found that iPhone now more popular than Blackberry in workplace. Android was third, but rapidly improving.[8] • Media tablets eclipsed netbook sales for first time in 2Q 2011. Almost double number of tablets sold as netbooks.[7] • iPad 2 accounts for almost 70% of tablets sold. • Laptops still dominate the workplace, but tablets are beginning to take a foothold.

19. Smartphones and Tablets cont.… • Why tablets over PCs?? • Easier to use (baby-boomers) • Increase in functionality (more sophisticated app development) • More widespread adoption in business/education markets • Portability • Efficient (battery life, instant access) • Mobile workforce (est. 66% of information workers work remotely[9])

20. General Examples of use in the Workplace Social Media Communication Productivity Cloud Storage Organization Etc.

21. Review Questions • Name two popular mobile OS. • Identify at least two reasons why you could use a tablet over a laptop PC in the workplace.

22. Any questions?

23. Today’s Agenda • Introduction • What you’ll learn • Brief overview of today’s most popular mobile OS’ • Practical Uses in the Workplace • Off-the-Shelf vs. Task-Specific • Areas for Improvement • Summary • Q&A

24. Practical Uses in the Workplace for People with Disabilities

25. Practical Uses (Without 3rd Party Apps) Before you install one app or add any accessory, here are some of the things that you can do with your mobile devices: Cloud storage (sync data across multiple devices) Remote access to public and private networks Camera functionality (Take pictures/Record and edit video) Email/Text Messaging Web Browsing Calendar/Task Management Call/Text/Dictate Emails (manually and by voice) Video Chat Take/Record Notes Social Networking Integration (Facebook/Twitter) Blogging (Android) Maps/Directions When all else fails, add apps to improve functionality!!

26. Examples (Without 3rd Party Apps) Users with visual impairments (low vision) On-the-go: Use built-in camera to magnify content either by taking a picture or just zooming in while Camera app is running At desk: Plug device into larger monitor for even larger image.

27. Examples (Without 3rd Party Apps) Users with visual impairments (low vision) Email document to themselves Save document in cloud-based storage and access it from mobile device Increase and decrease magnification using by “pinch” and “zoom” gestures Zoom/White and Black/Large Text (iOS)

28. Examples cont.… (Without 3rd Party Apps) Users with visual impairments (blind) Manually: iOS – Easy on/off access with set up of ‘Triple Click Home’ feature; then use onscreen keyboard Android v4.0 – If turned off after initial set up, may require reboot to restart speech; then onscreen keyboard Dictating text messages, email, or making phone calls: iOS – Siri Android – Voice Actions

29. Examples cont.… (Without 3rd Party Apps) Users with cognitive impairment Use calendars and to-do lists to color code/organize tasks, activities, and deadlines (e.g., Windows Phone Calendar) Set audible/vibrate calendar and meeting alerts Record meetings, voice notes (e.g., Siri, Voice Memos for iOS) Provide written instructions (e.g., send text messages, email)

30. Examples cont.… (Without 3rd Party Apps) Users with cognitive impairments Record meeting with Voice Memos while taking notes with Notes (iOS). Voice Memos runs in background as indicated by bright-red notification area.

31. Examples cont.… (Without 3rd Party Apps) Users with motor or dexterity impairments Swype Keyboard (Android) – Alternative keyboard input method where using literally drags finger across keyboard to choose characters Faster input method for texting, email, note-taking, etc.

32. Examples (Without 3rd Party Apps) Users who are deaf/hard of hearing Email, text messaging ASL Users: Use Video Chat and/or Video messages using Qik (Android – certain models) or Facetime (iPhone) Users have the ability to chat in real-time using front or rear-facing cameras Send video mail – Can be created on phone and saved to user account at www.qik.com

33. Practical Uses (With 3rd Party Apps) The addition of apps takes all of those built-in apps (e.g., Camera, Video Chat, voice recording, GPS, etc.) to a new level of functionality in most cases.

34. Examples (With 3rd Party Apps) Users with visual impairments (low vision) All kinds of magnifier apps for iPhone/Android!! Magnifying Glass w/ Lite ($2.49) shown. Many free ones available!! Functionality and quality depends on app Image quality greatly reduced at higher settings What does this mean? Success with these kinds of tools in the workplace will depend specifically on user’s needs and vision loss Will not benefit individuals that require sharp contrast or higher levels of magnification

35. Examples (With 3rd Party Apps) Users with visual impairments (low vision) Nothing much better than “Pinch” and “Zoom” gestures or Zoom/Large Text features (iOS) Other options: Zoom Contacts ($4.99) Nice app for Large Print/High contrast view of internal contacts for iOS (iPad and iPad2)

36. Examples (With 3rd Party Apps) Users with visual impairments (low vision/blind) Alternatives: Zoom Reader ($19.99) App converts image to text using OCR and iPhone 4 camera. Supports VoiceOver. Great deal of customization. ImageToText (Free) Take picture, send text to email or Evernote. Individual could send text or have someone send info to them.

37. Examples (With 3rd Party Apps) Users with cognitive impairments Evernote (Free) – note-taking app that allows you to create text notes, voice notes, store documents, take pictures, etc. Works with nearly every computer, phone, and mobile device on the market! Allows for search by keyword, tag or even printed and handwritten text inside images

38. Examples (With 3rd Party Apps) Users with cognitive impairments AudioNote (Free, $4.99 for Full version ) – Simple note-taking app that syncs audio recording with notes. User can take notes using onscreen keyboard or freehand. Also offers shapes, symbols, and different colors. Full version enables sharing of content by Wi-Fi and email.

39. Examples (With 3rd Party Apps) Users with cognitive impairments Mind Mapping Apps – Useful tools for organizing thoughts and ideas. Brainstorming tools. iThoughtsHD ($9.99) – Fairly comprehensive tool. Offers many ways to export Mind Map to different applications/devices SimpleMind ($6.99) – Simplified mapping app. Only exports to SimpleMind Desktop application via wi-fi

40. Examples (With 3rd Party Apps) Users with cognitive, motor, and/or dexterity impairments VoCal XL (Free, $5.99 for Full version) – app is pretty much voice 'to-do' list/calendar.Simply speak your personal memo or appointment, set the time and date, and be reminded in your voice or a number of different sounds. Reminders vary between once, every minute, and every hour (more in full version) Newer interface offers nice contrast One-way sync with iPhone calendar Notifications even when app is not running

41. Examples (With 3rd Party Apps) Users with cognitive, motor, and/or dexterity impairments Dragon Dictation (Free) - lets you send short text messages, longer email messages, and even update your Facebook and Twitter statuses without typing a word. Allows user to add/delete notes, cut/copy text, and add/edit text by keyboard input.

42. Examples (With 3rd Party Apps) Users with speech impairments Proloquo2Go ($189) – Probably most well-known augmentative and alternative communication app. Easy to set up and use it provides natural sounding text-to-speech voices, high resolution up-to-date symbols, a default vocabulary of over 7,000 items and is fully expandable.

43. Examples (With 3rd Party Apps) Users with speech impairments Predictable ($159) – Offers customizable AAC functions with social media integration (i.e., Facebook updates, Twitter updates, SMS, and Email) Note: As of v1.2, only email can be managed in all access modes. Other methods require direct access. 3 access modes – switch/scan, direct, touch anywhere Supports handwriting recognition as well. A lot of customization for advanced users Accessible via BT switch box or Therapy Switch box from RJ Cooper…supports one or two switches

44. Examples (With 3rd Party Apps) Users who are deaf/hard of hearing Lots of different ASL Apps – Make it easier for individuals who do not know ASL to communicate with individuals that do Sign4Me ($9.99/$12.99 for iPad version) – Signed English translator that provides 3D playback of avatar signed what was typed (allows for rate of speed adjustments) iASL ($1.99) – Translates English to ASL. Meant for phrases, but there is a dictionary portion for single words as well. Uses real person for video clip, not avatar Learn To Sign (Free) – Simple sign language dictionary app

45. Examples (With 3rd Party Apps) • Users who are deaf/hard of hearing Apps that support text relay, video relay, and real-time captioning on telephone – Enable deaf/hard of hearing individuals to communicate more effectively using telecommunications tools • Hamilton Mobile CapTel (Free) – Word-for-word real-time transcriptions on your cell phone of what’s being said as you listen - http://www.hamiltoncaptel.com/mobile_captel/ • Clear Capp ($0.99) – Designed for F2F conversations, app captures up to 10 seconds of audio and transcribes it in large print (Could do essentially the same thing with Dragon Dictation app, which is free)

46. Examples (With 3rd Party Apps) Users who are hard of hearing SoundAMP (Free, $4.99 for full version) – app uses device’s microphone to amplify environmental sounds, as well as speech. Offers a lot of customization Records audio

47. Practical Uses (With Accessories) Adding accessories further increases the functionality of mobile devices.

48. Examples (Accessories) Mounting Options Enable users to safely secure mobile devices no matter the situation (in office, using wheelchair, etc.) Useful for individuals with motor or dexterity issues

49. Examples (Accessories) Stock wired headsets (~$30)/Stereo Bluetooth headsets (price varies) Could work for all kinds of users Allow for control audio playback, useful for dictation, call management

50. Examples (Accessories) Bluetooth/Wired keyboards Keyboards could work for all kinds of users (depending on user, not as likely for those with motor or dexterity impairments) Typically under $100