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As technology advances, more and more apps with a focus enhancing accessibility are at our fingertips. While the world is still taking steps to become a more accessible place for all, assistive technology is here to help in the meantime. From auditory assistance to women’s safety, these innovative programs are supporting people with disability by paving the way for a more inclusive future. Here’s a look at some existing and emerging apps making waves in 2025.

BeAware

Converts important environmental sounds (like alarms or doorbells) into visual and vibratory alerts for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Available on: iOS and Android  
Key features: Customisable alerts and speech-to-text transcription 
Price: Free 
Find out more: deafassistant.com

Cash Reader

Helps users identify banknotes using their smartphone camera, supporting financial independence for people with vision impairment.

Available on: iOS and Android 
Key features: Unique vibration patterns to differentiate notes 
Price: Free 
Find out more: cashreader.app

Choiceworks

Specifically designed for people with autism and other cognitive challenges in their daily routines, the app provides a visual-based system that helps users understand and follow schedules, make choices, and manage their time more effectively.  

Available on: iOS  
Key features: Visual schedules and feelings boards 
Price: $40
Find out more: beevisual.com

FuelService

Helps drivers with disability find petrol stations where staff can assist with refuelling.

Available on: iOS and Android  
Key features: Fuel station locater and fuel pump selector  
Price: Free 
Find out more: fuelservice.org

Live Transcribe

Converts spoken words into written text in real time. It helps people who are deaf or hard of hearing to follow conversations, presentations and other spoken content. Supports multiple languages.

Available on: iOS 
Key features: Support for multiple languages and sound notifications for potential hazards 
Price: Free 
Find out more: livetranscribe.app

OKO

Advanced pedestrian navigation app designed for people with low vision. Uses AI to interpret real-time street signals and navigation cues, focusing on safe, accessible travel.

Available on: iOS 
Key features: Advanced mapping technology and AI crossing assistance 
Price: $5 a month or $30 a year 
Find out more: ayes.ai

Petralex

Hearing aid app that enhances sound and reduces background noise for people with hearing loss.

Available on: iOS and Android 
Key features: Built in hearing test and sound amplification 
Price: Free 
Find out more: petralex.pro

Spoony

An app where neurodiverse people and people with disability can connect and make friends with people who understand them.

Available on: iOS and Android 
Key features: Screen reader compatibility and Spoony journal, for tracking daily symptoms, feelings and experiences 
Price: Free 
Find out more: spoony.com

Sunny

Helps women with disability recognise, respond and get help if they are experiencing violence and abuse. Created by 1800RESPECT, the app has been co-designed by women with disability and includes accessible, easy–to–read information.

Available on: iOS or Android 
Key features: Information about different types of violence and legal rights explainers 
Price: Free 
Find out more: 1800respect.org.au/sunny

Voice4u AAC

With an intuitive interface, it allows users to create personalised communication boards and visual schedules using customisable icons and symbols. The text-to-speech feature enables users to transform written words into spoken language.

Available on: iOS and Android  
Key features: Text-to speech capability and symbol-based communication 
Price: $99 
Find out more: voice4uaac.com

Voiceitt

Helps people with speech difficulties communicate by translating non-standard speech into clear, understandable language.

Available on: Web app
Key features: Real-time transcription and integration with Microsoft Teams and Google Workspace
Price: $1299 for a 12-month subscription
Find out more: voiceitt.com
 

Related article: Best apps for people with disability