by AbilityNet
AbilityNet is a UK charity helping disabled people and older adults use technology. This factsheet is part of their free, regularly updated library of practical accessible-tech guides.
The guide walks through setting up Alexa and Google Assistant for voice or text control of smart home devices — including lights, smart plugs, thermostats, smart locks, and video doorbells. It addresses specific needs: type-to-Alexa for people with speech impairments, visual alert modes for people with hearing impairments, and fully hands-free control for people with motor disabilities. It also covers how to create automated routines that trigger multiple devices at once.
People with physical disabilities, mobility impairments, spinal cord injury, ALS, MS, or visual impairments who want to control their home environment independently, without needing to physically operate switches, thermostats, or appliances.
Ava is an ADA-compliant live captioning app that converts speech into real-time, color-coded text for deaf and hard-of-hearing users in one-on-one and group conversations. It integrates with Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams and supports more than 50 languages.
Ava
The Urban Xplorer is a lightweight, adjustable folding white cane made from aerospace aluminium, designed for blind and low-vision users navigating city environments. It comes in four sizes (Small through X-Large) and features a redesigned dome tip, hardened aluminium joints, and a foam grip. The cane is built to handle common urban obstacles such as cobblestones, sewer grates, and uneven sidewalks.
Awarewolf
Google Live Transcribe is a free Android app that converts speech and surrounding sounds into real-time on-screen captions, making everyday conversations more accessible for deaf and hard-of-hearing users. Developed in partnership with Gallaudet University, it supports more than 120 languages and processes all audio on-device for privacy.
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