Helpful apps for seniors with disabilities

Mobile apps aren’t just for gamers, daters and Instagrammers. In fact, downloadable apps for smartphones, tablets and other devices now serve many different types of users, including those with disabilities. Here are some of the best apps out there.

For those with a hearing impairment
RogerVoice transcribes phone calls in real time, allowing you to read conversations on the screen of your phone as they’re happening. There’s also P3 Mobile, which allows you to make video-based calls and has features tailored to those who have difficulties hearing.

For those with a visual impairment
TapTapSee uses your device’s speakers to verbally identify what you’re pointing at with your device’s camera lens. Be My Eyes serves a similar function; with this app you’re connected in real time with volunteers around the world who tell you what you’re pointing at.

For those who use a wheelchair
Wheelmap is a digital map (like Google Maps) that shows users which businesses in their area are wheelchair accessible. It’s a crowdsourcing platform, meaning that users themselves add information for businesses that haven’t already been identified, so the map becomes more detailed every day.

All these apps are free and compatible with both iOS and Android devices.

Did you know?
Your device has built-in features oriented to those with both hearing impairments and visual impairments. On iPhones and iPads, find and activate these features by going to: Settings > General > Accessibility. On Android devices look under: Settings > Accessibility.