The Neil Squire Society distributed an online survey to find out what features of mobile devices help people with disabilities. The survey asked questions about what tasks they use mobile devices for, what features they rely on and expect, and what would make mobile devices easier for them to use.
The survey was completed by 168 individuals with disabilities, representing a diverse range of disabilities, including mobility, cognitive, hearing, vision, and brain injury impairments.
Our participants indicated that text message support is the most important mobile feature for them followed by email access and toggle do not disturb mode. Software and device manufacturers should at minimum include a built-in SMS/MMS text messaging client, a physical do not disturb switch, and a built-in email client that supports SMTP, POP3, and IMAP.