Setting up Alexa and Companion Devices 4

Customizing settings for accessibility

Many seniors have disabilities such as vision loss, or arthritis and virtual assistants often have accessibility features that can be customized to meet the needs of seniors with disabilities. Here are some ideas for customizing the settings for accessibility:

1.           Voice control: The main feature of virtual assistants is voice control, which can be especially helpful for seniors with arthritis or other physical disabilities. Make sure the senior knows how to activate the virtual assistant using voice commands and customize the wake word to something that is easy to say.

2.           Text-to-speech: Most virtual assistants have a text-to-speech feature that can read back information to the user. This can be helpful for seniors with vision loss who may have difficulty reading small text on a screen. Make sure this feature is enabled and set to the appropriate speed and volume.

3.           Large font and high contrast: Many virtual assistant companion apps allow for customization of the font size and contrast. Seniors with vision loss may benefit from increasing the font size and contrast to make the text easier to read.

4.           Closed captioning: Some virtual assistants have a closed captioning feature that displays spoken information on the screen in real-time. This can be helpful for seniors with hearing loss who may have difficulty understanding spoken information.

5.           Shortcuts and routines: Set up shortcuts and routines to simplify common tasks. For example, set up a shortcut to turn on the lights in a specific room, or create a routine to play music and turn on the TV at the same time. This can be especially helpful for seniors who may have difficulty navigating complex menus or remembering multiple steps.

By customizing the settings for accessibility, virtual assistants can be a powerful tool for seniors with disabilities, helping to simplify daily tasks and improve the overall quality of life.