WebAIM - Web Accessibility In Mind

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Re: Low Vision Simulation

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From: Tim Harshbarger
Date: May 29, 2012 1:08PM

The app relies on the camera in the iPad so you won't be able to use it for a web page unless you have it pointed at a monitor.
However, once you are viewing the image on the camera, you can take a picture of it.

The app is also free.

I have it on my iPhone. While my sight is such that I can't tell any difference using the app, it does make for a great way to talk about accessibility and disability. When you pick a filter, it explains some of the aspects of that type of visual impairment. You can then let someone use the app to look at things and then start talking about accessible design and how people with various types of disabilities use technology--especially since you can then turn on voiceover or show them the accessibility settings.

I think the app makes a great way to start a conversation. And you definitely know your audience is hooked once they start asking questions about things they are looking at or making comments--"The colours seem a bit washed out." Or "that is harder to read."