♿️ Accessibility

🗣 VoiceOver Support

Full VoiceOver support throughout the app with thoughtful accessibility labels, hints, and dynamic announcements.

• Smart Audio Management: Voice guidance automatically works with VoiceOver without conflicts
• Phase Announcements: Real-time updates during breathing exercises ("Breathe in. Breath 5 of 30")
• Timer Continuity: Timers continue running smoothly even when VoiceOver is active
• Descriptive Labels: All buttons, controls, and interactive elements have clear, contextual labels
• Grouped Elements: Related information combined for efficient navigation

🔤 Dynamic Type

All text scales automatically with your system text size preferences (Settings > Display & Text Size > Larger Text).

• Scalable Text: All text elements support Dynamic Type from XS to XXXL
• Accessibility Sizes: Support for extreme sizes (A1, A2, A3) for users with low vision
• Smart Scaling: Large timers and displays scale intelligently to prevent layout issues
• Readable Content: Maintains readability and hierarchy at all text sizes
• Widget Text: Home screen widgets support Dynamic Type for streak displays
• Progress Tab: Habit tracking and statistics text scales appropriately

📳 Haptic Feedback

Comprehensive haptic feedback system that adapts based on your audio settings.

• Smart Intensity: Subtle haptics with audio enabled, strong haptics in silent mode
• Phase Transitions: Feel each breathing phase change (inhale, exhale, retention)
• Milestone Markers: Haptic feedback at cold exposure milestones (30s, halfway, completion)
• Completion Celebration: Multi-tap celebration patterns for completing sessions
• Silent Practice: "No Sound" mode now fully functional with comprehensive haptics

🎬 Reduce Motion

Respects your Reduce Motion preference (Settings > Accessibility > Motion).

• Metal Ripple Animations: GPU-powered ripple effects automatically disabled when Reduce Motion is enabled
• Animations automatically simplified or disabled when Reduce Motion is enabled
• Background gradients transition smoothly without jarring effects
• Breathing circle scales without complex animations
• Page transitions are gentle and predictable
• Widget Animations: Home screen widgets respect system motion preferences

🎯 Voice Control & Switch Control

Full compatibility with alternative input methods.

• Voice Control: All buttons and controls can be activated by voice
• Switch Control: Navigate and control the app using assistive switches
• Keyboard Navigation: Full keyboard support on iPad with external keyboard

🎨 Display Accommodations

Works seamlessly with system display settings.

• Increase Contrast: UI adapts to system contrast preferences
• Bold Text: Supports system-wide bold text setting
• Dark Mode: Beautiful dark interface that's easy on the eyes
• Color Filters: Compatible with system color adjustment filters

🗣 VoiceOver for watchOS

Complete VoiceOver support optimized for Apple Watch's unique interface.

• Timer Continuity: Exercise timers work perfectly with VoiceOver active
• Page Announcements: Clear labels for each watch page (Breathe, Cold, History, Learn)
• Phase Descriptions: Real-time exercise guidance via VoiceOver
• Digital Crown Integration: VoiceOver works with Digital Crown navigation
• Button Context: All controls have descriptive labels and hints

📳 Haptic Feedback

Apple Watch's excellent haptics provide essential feedback during exercises.

• Session Start: Distinct haptic when starting exercises
• 30-Second Intervals: Regular haptic check-ins during cold exposure
• Phase Changes: Feel each transition during breathing exercises
• Success Feedback: Celebration haptics on completion
• Pause/Resume: Clear haptic feedback for session control

🎯 Large Text on watchOS

Text scales with your Apple Watch text size preferences.

• Supports watchOS text size settings
• Timers and counters remain readable at all sizes
• Smart layout adjustments for larger text
• Maintains readability on smaller watch screens

⏱ Workout Integration

Seamless integration with Apple Watch health and accessibility features.

• Sessions sync to HealthKit for comprehensive tracking
• Always-on display support during exercises
• Works with Apple Watch accessibility shortcuts
• Compatible with wrist raise and crown gestures

📜 WCAG 2.1 Compliance

Respia follows Web Content Accessibility Guidelines principles adapted for native iOS development.

• Level AA Compliance: Meets most WCAG 2.1 Level AA requirements
• Text Resize: All text resizable up to 200% without loss of functionality (1.4.4)
• Contrast Ratios: Text and UI elements meet minimum contrast requirements (1.4.3)
• Keyboard Access: Full keyboard navigation on iPad (2.1.1)
• Focus Indicators: Clear focus indicators for all interactive elements (2.4.7)

🍎 Apple Accessibility Guidelines

Built following Apple's comprehensive accessibility best practices.

• VoiceOver Best Practices: Descriptive labels, grouped elements, dynamic announcements
• Dynamic Type Support: All text uses scalable font styles
• Motion Sensitivity: Respects Reduce Motion preferences
• Assistive Technology: Compatible with Voice Control, Switch Control, and AssistiveTouch
• Accessibility API: Proper use of UIAccessibility and SwiftUI accessibility modifiers

🧪 Testing & Quality

Rigorous accessibility testing ensures a great experience for all users.

• VoiceOver Testing: Extensive testing with VoiceOver enabled
• Dynamic Type Testing: Verified at all text sizes including accessibility sizes
• Real Device Testing: Tested on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch
• User Feedback: Continuous improvement based on accessibility user feedback

🚀 Continuous Improvement

Accessibility is an ongoing commitment, not a one-time feature.

• Regular accessibility audits and improvements
• Monitoring for new iOS accessibility features
• Community feedback integration
• Documentation and testing guides maintained

👥 Inclusive by Design

Breathing exercises and cold exposure training should be accessible to everyone, including users who are blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, or have motor impairments.

🎯 Better for Everyone

Accessibility features like haptic feedback, larger text, and clear labeling benefit all users, not just those with disabilities. Features like "silent mode" with haptics are perfect for quiet environments.

💪 Universal Design

We believe in building one great app that works for everyone, rather than creating separate "accessible" versions. Universal design makes Respia better for all users.