Most computers now have built-in accessibility features, but they can be difficult to find. In fact, recent studies show that 73% of seniors aged 65 and older say they need help using new devices.
The free app Morphic puts accessibility features front and center with a large, easy-to-use toolbar. This is especially helpful for low-vision users who may not be able to see well enough to navigate toward text magnification tools.
The toolbar is also helpful in keeping the accessibility features onscreen when they’re in use — they can jump offscreen otherwise.
In addition to the text enlarger and magnifying glass tools for low-vision users, the Read Selected text-to-speech feature is helpful for dyslexic users who have trouble reading back what they’ve written.
Other features accommodate users’ contrast sensitivity and color blindness, allowing them to choose from specific contrast modes and color filters.
As the Morphic website states: “Morphic allows libraries, schools, companies, or any organization to make all their computers accessible with little-to-no effort — providing digital equity for the first time.”
The app is already proving to be beneficial at the University of Michigan, as the college’s Assistive Tech Manager Jane Berliss-Vincent raves: “Morphic is a superb example of how to support an accessible and inclusive community that’s appealing to everyone. U-M students, faculty, and staff have already benefited from it. Morphic has helped make graphic design easier, and solved a problem with cross-platform usability.”
For more information, please visit morphic.org or check out our Monday Tech Tip video.
Morphic photo courtesy of INDATA.