A carefully curated collection of external resources on smart technology. These resources are sourced from trusted external platforms to provide additional insights and information.
Smartphones and Tablets
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General Smartphone and Tablet Accessibility Info
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Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative (GARI) Database — A user friendly database to help consumers find mobile devices with accessibility features that fit their needs.
Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs — the Global Initiative for Inclusive Information and Communication Technologies (G3ict) is an advocacy initiative launched by the United Nations Global Alliance. The G3ict offers information on policy development, training and certification, and more to promote the rights of persons with disabilities in the digital age.
Access Wireless — A website created to help users learn about the ever-changing world of cell phones, mobile devices, and services, and discover those that meet users’ specific needs.
Mobile Device Manufacturers & Wireless Service Providers Accessibility Resources — A directory of accessibility resources provided by mobile device manufacturers and wireless service providers.
Consumer Reports Phones & Mobile Devices — Consumer Reports has curated information about mobile devices from phones to fitness trackers, including buying advice and shopping tips for devices that meet your needs.
Mystic Access — Mystic Access strives to support and empower blind and visually impaired users of assistive technology through providing comprehensive, professionally-produced audio documentation on a variety of topics. They make learning and interacting with your assistive and mainstream technology an enjoyable and magical experience for you, as demonstrated through a fun, non-technical and informal approach to the subject matter.
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Apple iOS Toolbox
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iPhone Accessibility Cheat Sheet - All the commands you need in one easy reference sheet.
AppleVis — AppleVis is the go-to resource for blind and low vision users of Apple technologies. With an active, engaged user base and a vast collective understanding of accessibility on Apple's platforms, members of our community support each other in accessing the maximum potential of Apple hardware, software, and services.Apple Accessibility — An interactive overview of Apple’s built-in accessibility features.
Apple Accessibility Support Contacts — Information about how you can contact Apple’s line specifically dedicated to accessibility support and feedback.
Apple Accessibility Communities (user-driven) — An online discussion board where anyone can ask and answer questions, share-tips, and learn about accessibility settings on Apple devices.
Apple Accessibility Settings Help Videos — Apple’s YouTube channel videos on how-to set-up and use accessibility features built into Apple devices.
Apple Shortcuts Feature — A user-guide for iPhone and iPad shortcuts, quick ways to get one or more tasks done with your apps. The Shortcuts app lets you add VoiceOver, Assistive Touch, Guided Access, and more to your Control Center for easy access.
Apple Widgets — A guide on how to add and edit widgets on your iPhone which allows you to get timely information from your favorite apps at a glance.
Siri — Instructions on how to set up and use Siri on all your Apple devices.
Apple Mobility Settings — An overview of Apple’s built-in mobility accessibility features for iPhone, iPad, and more.
Apple Vision Settings — An overview of Apple’s built-in vision accessibility features for iPhone, iPad, and more.
Apple Hearing Settings — An overview of Apple’s built-in hearing accessibility features for iPhone, iPad, and more.
Apple Cognition Settings — An overview of Apple’s built-in cognition accessibility features for iPhone, iPad, and more.
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Android Toolbox
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Android Accessibility Cheat Sheet - All the commands you need in one easy reference sheet.
Android Accessibility — An interactive overview of Android’s Accessibility features – designed by and for people with disabilities in mind.Samsung Galaxy Accessibility — An interactive overview of accessibility features unique to Samsung Galaxy devices.
Android Accessibility Help — An easy to navigate page that features "help topics" you can browse and a search bar where you can enter the exact issue for optimized personalization.
Android Accessibility Support Contacts — Information about how you can contact the Google Disability support team for accessibility support and feedback.
Android Accessibility Communities (user-driven) — A forum where Google customers help each other and can stay up-to-date on Google Accessibility features and products.
Android Accessibility Menu — Instructions on how to set up and use Android’s Accessibility Menu.
Android Accessibility Settings Help Videos — Android's YouTube channel with tips and how-to videos on accessibility features.
Android Accessibility Shortcuts — Instructions on how to add and use accessibility shortcuts, a quick way to turn on accessibility apps or switch between apps.
Google Assistant (Hey Google) — An overview of what Google Assistant and how it can help manage tasks, enjoy entertainment, get answers, control your home, and more.
Android Mobility Settings — An overview of Android’s built-in mobility accessibility features for iPhone, iPad, and more.
Android Vision Settings — An overview of Android’s built-in vision accessibility features for iPhone, iPad, and more.
Android Hearing Settings — An overview of Android’s built-in hearing accessibility features for iPhone, iPad, and more.
Android Cognition Settings (Action Blocks) — An overview on how to add and use Action Blocks which make it easier for people who have a cognitive disability to use Android phones and tablets by adding a name or image to a Home screen for common actions.
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Tech/Software Development & Design Toolbox
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GPII DeveloperSpace — Techniques and strategies for all barriers and disability categories, as well as ways to connect with developers and testers to build and market better applications.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines / WC3 — Helps explain accessibility, usability, and inclusive design to help create websites and applications that work for everyone.
Apple Human Interface Guidelines (HIG) — The HIG contains guidance and best practices that can help you design a great experience for any Apple platform.
iOS Developers — The Apple development ecosystem provides everything you need to bring incredible apps to people around the world.
Siri for Developers — An overview of App Intents and SiriKit, for your apps which can help people get things done with Apple’s Siri, Spotlight, and Shortcuts features.
Android Material Design Resources — Implement Material Design with code and developer documentation for MDC-Android, Flutter, Jetpack Compose, and the Web.
Android Developers — Developer guides, a selection of code samples and templates for app development, and resources to provide consistent and effortless user experiences.
Android Accessible Apps — Ensure your apps are as accessible as they can be.
Smart Home Technology
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General Smart Home Resources
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Smart Homes Made Simple — A guide to smart home technology to meet your goals. Designed for people with disabilities and older adults. Created by Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF), one of the Wireless RERC’s partners.
Guide to Smart Home Devices & Tech — Consumer Reports tests a variety of smart home devices, including smart speakers, smart TVs, wireless security cameras, video doorbells, smart thermostats, and smart locks, with more product categories in the works. Their guide can help you find the best products for your needs with information on installation, setup, voice control, and automation.
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Amazon Smart Home Toolbox
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Amazon Smart Device Compatibility Page — An overview of the accessories that are compatible with Amazon Alexa smart home devices.
Amazon General Smart Home Page — An interactive overview of the Alexa smart home to learn how to start and expand your smart home.
Amazon Alexa Smart Home Terminology — Glossary of Alexa vocabulary and terms to help give more intuitive control.
Amazon Alexa Smart Home App Support — Information on how to download and use the Alexa app.
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Apple HomeKit Toolbox
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Apple Smart Device Compatibility Page — An overview of the accessories that are compatible with the Apple Home app.
Apple General Smart Home Page — An interactive overview of the Apple Home app.
Apple Home Smart Home Terminology — Glossary of Apple Home app vocabulary and key terms to help give more intuitive control.
Apple Smart Home App Support — A how-to on adding an accessory to the Apple Home app and organizing by room or zone to control different areas of your home.
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Google Home Toolbox
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Google Smart Device Compatibility Page — An overview of the accessories that are compatible with the Google Nest.
Google Home App — An overview of the Google Home app.
Google Nest Smart Home Terminology — Glossary of vocabulary and key terms for developing Google smart home Actions.
Google Nest Support — Information on Google Nest products, services, and privacy.
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Matter Toolbox
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Matter
Matter — the Smart Home Interoperability Standard is designed to simplify the smart home experience, from purchase, to set up, to use.
Matter: Making the Smart Home a More Connected, Comfortable, and Helpful Place — A short video from the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) about how Matter is making devices simpler and more consistent to set up.
Matter FAQ — A comprehensive list of the most frequently asked questions about Matter by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA).
Consumer Reports’ Matter Overview — A helpful guide to understanding what Matter is, what the benefits of Matter are, which types of smart home devices will work with Matter (including if your existing smart home devices will), and more.
Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) Library of Certified Products — A collection of certified products by Connectivity Standards Alliance. To find Matter-certified products, select "Matter” under Program Type. Keep in mind that some products may be certified for Matter but not yet available on the market.
Thread
Thread — Thread is a low-power wireless mesh networking protocol based on the Internet Protocol (IP). It is designed to securely and reliably connect devices around the home without relying on a home internet connection or Wi-Fi. Thread provides a dedicated network that gets stronger with wider coverage as more Thread devices are added.
Eve’s Thread Explainer — An approachable explainer on Thread networks—from what a Thread network is, to getting started and enjoying!
Mobile and Internet Services
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Lifeline Program
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About the Lifeline Program — The Lifeline program, administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), helps ensure individuals have the opportunities and security that phone service brings by providing a discount of up to $9.25 per month toward the cost of phone, internet, or bundled services for eligible households. For complete eligibility criteria, please visit Lifeline's eligibility page.
Lifeline Program Application — If you or someone you know is struggling to afford phone or internet service, Lifeline may be able to help. You can apply online or speak with a Lifeline agent by calling: (800) 234-9473.
USAC's Lifeline Program Search Tool — You can find companies in your area that offer the Lifeline Program by using the Companies Near Me tool. You can search using your Zip code or your city and state. If you would like to see the full list of options, click on “see the list of companies in your state” underneath the search results.