by Nick Flaherty

The current generation of tablet technology is bringing mainstream features that are proving very helpful for the visually and hearing impaired.

Such specialist technology was previously only available through dedicated suppliers at quite a high cost, but now there are armies of hardware and software developers working to bring the new capabilities to a wider audience with tremendous benefits.

From reading an e-book, newspaper or any sheet of paper at high magnification to free video conferencing for signing, these are now mainstream applications. For children and adults with learning difficulties and developmental delay there are now apps that can help them communicate in the way that is best for them, with tools they can easily carry around with them.

There are two main types of tablet. Apple’s iPad is probably the better known tablet technology. This runs software called iOS and has its own collection of apps that are downloaded from its iTunes software and on the whole needs a traditional computer at home. While there are currently over 700,000 apps for iPads and iPhones, they all need to be checked by Apple which both protects the user but also limits the development of specialist apps which can cost upwards of £100.

There are two main Apple tablets - the iPad with a ten inch high resolution screen (called a Retina display), and an iPad mini with a 7in screen. These use WiFi wireless internet in the home, and there are some versions that can use the mobile phone data network (or 3G) to download apps and make video calls out and about, but this needs a subscription with a phone company.

The other main technology for tablets runs software called Android. This is freely available software developed by Google that has been taken up by lots of different companies for many different products, again mostly 10in and 7in tablets.

The leading suppliers of Android tablets are Samsung, Google itself, Amazon with its Kindle HD, and Asus, and this competition makes the technology significantly cheaper than Apple. Mainstream apps are available through Google Play (the equivalent of ITunes), but there are several other app stores, and many developers offer Android apps themselves to keep costs down.

There are advantages to the breadth of Android technology. Samsung for example has launched eye gaze technology that allows users to scroll through a page with just their eyes, technology that previously required expensive specialist computer kit. Using a Bluetooth connection gives a link from the tablet to specialist peripherals such as Braille readers, bringing the mainstream world more easily to the visually impaired.

And because the technology is more mainstream there are many more developers with Android skills. This is opening up many more apps that can help with accessibility.

Apple and Android are not the only options. Microsoft launched its Surface tablet using a version of its Windows 8 software that also let you download apps from its developers (though not Apple or Android) , but this has not had the success of the iPad or Android tablet and is more limited in the apps it provides.

Tablet technology has the opportunity to dramatically enhance the day to day life of sight and hearing impaired, and there are many different options. Apple provides reliable technology with a superb mainstream user experience, but at a higher cost. The range of Android suppliers provide lower cost systems and a wider range of apps, with more opportunity to customise the technology to individual needs.

While the choice may seem a bit overwhelming, mainstream tablets provide many more features and capabilities than specialist technology suppliers at more affordable costs.

Nick Flaherty is a technology writer

• Become a Sense member
• Volunteering
• Groups and communities
  • Sense blog
  • Sense branches
  • Deafblind forums
  • Young Sense Network
  • Siblings Network
  • Sense Users' Reference Group
  • Other groups
  • Fundraising Supporter Groups
• Get involved in our events

Quick links

• Job vacancies
• Our shops
• Volunteering
• Become a Sense member
• Children & young people
• Older people

• Usher advice & info
• Benefits & social care
• A place to live
• Day services
• Events & fundraising
• Your company & Sense

• How to campaign
• Technology
• Communication methods
• Find a group
• Advice & support
• Complaints

Sister organisations

Sense International helps deafblind people in less developed countries to communicate, interact and flourish.
Visit Sense International website

Sense Scotland supports thousands of disabled people and their families throughout Scotland.
Visit Sense Scotland website