Apps that make life more accessible

To see if this type of app will help you, you could try:

Subtitle Viewer! for Apple

Some TV apps, like Netflix, Amazon Prime or BBC iPlayer, have subtitles for some shows. Subtitles are not always available. Check on the app.

For both Android and Apple devices, you could try:

Roger Voice, which adds captions to voice and video conversations in real-time when using the app.

Relay UK (previously Next Generation Text) offers a text relay service. While you are having a phone call, an assistant:

• listen and type what’s being said to you so you can read it
• read out responses you type

To see if this type of app will help you, you could try:

Google Live Transcribe for Android offers "real-time transcription of speech and sound to text on your screen".

Otter focuses on meetings transcription but it also transcribes conversations. Otter is available on Apple and Android.

Just Press Record app for iPhone transcribes audio recordings, such as lectures, talks or meetings.

Glean allows students to record classes and add notes. Then you can organise them. You can tag particular bits for example.

For Android devices you could try:

• Google Sound Amplifier

Features to try:

Lookout by Google is available on Android devices.

Envision AI. You can train this app to recognise friends and family. Available on Apple and Android.

Seeing AI can describe photos on your phone and in other apps. Available on Apple and Android.

Other apps to try:

Be My Eyes connects you to a volunteer via a live video call. Volunteers can help you with things like:

• checking expiry dates
• distinguishing colours
• reading instructions
• or navigating new surroundings

BlindSquare is an accessible app that describes the environment. It announces points of interest, like shops or restaurants, and street crossings as you travel. Available on Apple devices.

Lazarillo guides you through city and building environments with real-time voice messages. Available on Apple and Android.

For help with communication, you could try looking at:

• Proloquo2Go
• ClaroCom Pro UK
• JABtalk speech communication app that helps non-verbal children and adults communicate. It aims to be an easy and effective AAC tool for mobile. Available on Android.
• Grid iPad app for symbol and text communication. If you have a Grid device, Grid Player lets you transfer your grid sets to your iPhone or iPad.
• The Open Voice Factory is for AAC. You can create communication boards for free as it is open source.
• Speak for Yourself is a flexible AAC app on the App Store.

You could try meditation and mindfulness apps like:

BetterSleep

Headspace

Smiling Mind

Buddhify

All the apps are available on Apple and Android.

You could try:

Miracle Modus uses hypnotic mathematically-patterned rainbow lights and soft bells. The creator is autistic and wanted something to help with sensory overload. There are different settings to suit your needs.

Miracle Modus for Apple.

Sensory App House offers a range of apps to help with sensory needs.

The right app for you will depend on your needs, you could try:

Habitica is a free habit-building and productivity app that treats your life like a game. With “in-game rewards and punishments to motivate you and a strong social network to inspire you”, the app can help you achieve your goals.

Todoist helps you organise and prioritise your tasks and projects.

Finch is an app to help you with habits and tasks. It has a similar ‘gamifying’ element like Habitica but you’re growing a little bird.

Notion can help you organise big projects but also daily life. It has lots of templates.

Both apps are available on Android and Apple.

Claro Read can help you with reading text, editing PDFs and magnifying text.

Voice Dream apps can help with reading, writing and scanning documents. Available on Apple devices.

Dyslexic.com has a list of useful apps.

NaturalReader is text-to-speech for multiple formats.

To see if these types of app would help you, try:

Voice Access for Android lets you use voice commands to do:

• basic actions and navigation from any screen ('go back' or 'go home')
• gestures that interact with things on the screen ('click next' or 'scroll down')
• text editing and dictation ('type hello')

Voice Access may work better with some types of voice than others.

SwiftKey and Gboard (the Google keyboard) allow you to swipe across the keys to type. They use word prediction to help you correct mistakes. The apps are useful if you need help using a standard keyboard or to type one-handed. Gboard also has a ‘one-handed’ mode that shifts the keys to make them easier to reach. Both apps are available on Apple and Android.

DOTKey helps you type quickly and comfortably with 1 hand. The app uses taps, swipes and other hand gestures to type instead of using a keyboard.

Available on both Apple and Android devices, you could try:

AccessAble, which used to be 'DisabledGo'. This helps you to search accessible places to go. They also have 'access guides' for some stores.

Blue Badge Parking app for iPhone and Blue Badge Parking app for Android helps you find parking spaces.

Changing Places toilet app helps you find accessible public toilets across the UK.

CinemApp lets you search for cinemas and book tickets.

Passenger Assistance app for National Rail.

Sociability app helps you find accessible places.

Trainline app and Bus checker app help you find out travel times and get live updates to your phone rather than relying on displays or announcements.

Uber app and Gett black taxi app can help you order a taxi without needing to call. Most black cabs are wheelchair accessible. With the Gett app you can add a note to your booking telling your driver you might need assistance. Uber offer accessible taxis in certain cities.

If you need directions, use your phone or device to access:

• Waze accessible sat nav for drivers
• Moovit for public transport across the UK
• Citymapper for transport in some cities in the UK, Europe and the United States
• Google Maps

Read AppleVis about apps for blind and low-vision users of Apple products.

Apps that store tickets and documents can help you avoid printing and carrying paper when you're out. This might be:

• train tickets
• boarding passes for planes
• phone contactless payments

Some apps will have this function as part of the app, like train or airline apps. Other apps might come with your phone, like Apple Wallet.

Online banking apps

Apps make it easier to manage your money. It avoids needing to call or go to a branch. They can also help if you need to report a stolen or lost card but cannot call.

Ask your bank about accessible services

Gas and electricity smart meter apps

Apps could allow you to top up credit from home.

Get extra help from your energy supplier

Home heating

There are apps that let you control your heating and thermostat. For example, Hive or BT.