Whistl Accessibility Features: Inclusive Design

Financial protection should be accessible to everyone. Whistl is built with inclusive design principles, supporting users with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive disabilities. This guide covers all accessibility features and how to configure them for your needs.

Our Accessibility Commitment

Whistl is designed to WCAG 2.1 AA standards:

• Perceivable: Information presented in ways users can perceive
• Operable: Interface can be operated by all users
• Understandable: Content is clear and predictable
• Robust: Compatible with assistive technologies

We continuously test with users who have disabilities and incorporate feedback into our design process.

Vision Accessibility

Screen Reader Support

Full compatibility with screen readers:

• iOS: VoiceOver fully supported
• Android: TalkBack fully supported
• Web: Compatible with JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver
• All elements: Properly labelled with descriptive text
• Dynamic content: Announces changes automatically

VoiceOver Gestures

Visual Accommodations

• Dynamic Type: Supports all iOS text size settings
• Bold text: Respects system bold text setting
• High contrast: Enhanced contrast mode available
• Reduce transparency: Opaque backgrounds option
• Reduce motion: Minimal animations option

Colour Blindness Support

• Not colour-dependent: Information never conveyed by colour alone
• Pattern indicators: SpendingShield states use icons + colour
• High contrast ratios: 4.5:1 minimum for all text
• Colour blind modes: Deuteranopia, Protanopia, Tritanopia presets

Low Vision Features

• Zoom: System zoom fully supported
• Magnifier: Compatible with iOS Magnifier
• Large touch targets: Minimum 44x44 points
• Clear typography: Inter font optimised for readability

Hearing Accessibility

Audio Content Alternatives

• Voice coaching: Full text transcripts available
• Video content: Closed captions on all videos
• Audio interventions: Visual notifications as alternative
• Podcast content: Transcripts provided

Visual Alerts

• Flash notifications: LED flash option for alerts
• Screen flash: Visual alert when notifications arrive
• Vibration patterns: Distinctive patterns for different alerts

Hearing Aid Compatibility

• MFi hearing aids: Direct audio streaming support
• Bluetooth hearing aids: Compatible with major brands
• Cochlear implants: Audio processed for compatibility

Motor Accessibility

Switch Control

• iOS Switch Control: Full compatibility
• Custom switches: Works with external switch devices
• Scanning patterns: Auto and manual scanning supported
• Dwell control: Timed selection available

Voice Control

• iOS Voice Control: Navigate and interact by voice
• Android Voice Access: Full voice navigation
• Custom commands: All features accessible via voice
• Numerical overlays: Grid navigation supported

Touch Accommodations

• Hold duration: Adjustable touch-and-hold timing
• Ignore repeat: Prevent accidental repeated taps
• Touch assistance: Alternative input methods
• Large touch targets: All buttons minimum 44x44 points

AssistiveTouch

• Custom gestures: Record and replay complex gestures
• Menu customization: Quick access to frequently used actions
• Device shaking: Alternative trigger for actions

Cognitive Accessibility

Simplified Interface

• Reduced complexity mode: Minimal interface option
• Focus mode: Hide non-essential elements
• Consistent navigation: Predictable layout throughout
• Clear labels: Plain language, no jargon

Reading Support

• Plain language: 8th-10th grade reading level
• Short paragraphs: Information chunked for readability
• Bullet points: Lists instead of dense text
• Icons with labels: Visual + text for all actions

Memory Support

• Session persistence: Return to where you left off
• Progress indicators: Clear status in multi-step flows
• Reminders: Optional notifications for important actions
• Recent items: Easy access to frequently used features

Attention Support

• Minimal distractions: No auto-playing media
• Focus indicators: Clear highlighting of active elements
• Timed interventions: Patient, non-rushed interactions
• Break reminders: Optional prompts to rest

Neurodivergent-Friendly Features

ADHD Support

• Impulse interventions: Real-time support for impulsive tendencies
• Quick actions: One-tap access to key features
• Gamification: Optional progress badges and streaks
• Flexible goals: Adjustable targets without shame

Anxiety Support

• Safe Space coaching: Gentle, non-judgmental communication
• Breathing exercises: Built-in calm-down tools
• Crisis resources: Immediate access to help
• Predictable behaviour: No surprises in app functionality

Autism Support

• Literal language: Clear, direct communication
• Consistent patterns: Predictable interface behaviour
• Reduced sensory input: Minimal animations option
• Detailed explanations: Why behind every request

Accessibility Settings

In-App Accessibility Menu

1. Go to Settings → Accessibility
2. Configure individual options:
• Text size slider
• Contrast toggle
• Motion reduction toggle
• Colour blind mode selector
• Simplified interface toggle
3. Settings sync across devices

System Integration

Whistl automatically respects system accessibility settings:

• Text size and bold text
• Display accommodations
• Motion preferences
• VoiceOver/TalkBack status
• Switch Control configuration

Accessibility Testing

Our Testing Process

• Automated testing: axe-core, WAVE for web accessibility
• Manual testing: Keyboard-only navigation, screen reader testing
• User testing: Regular sessions with disabled users
• Expert review: Accessibility consultants audit major releases

Accessibility Statement

Full accessibility statement available at whistl.app/accessibility

• Conformance level: WCAG 2.1 AA
• Last updated: March 2026
• Contact: accessibility@whistl.app

Reporting Accessibility Issues

If you encounter accessibility barriers:

1. Email accessibility@whistl.app
2. Describe the issue and your assistive technology
3. Include steps to reproduce if possible
4. We respond within 48 hours
5. Issues prioritised and fixed in upcoming releases

Future Accessibility Improvements

Planned enhancements:

• Audio descriptions for Dream Board images
• Haptic feedback patterns for different notifications
• Sign language video support for key content
• Enhanced cognitive load reduction mode
• Braille display compatibility improvements

Conclusion

Whistl is committed to making behavioural finance protection accessible to everyone. Whether you use screen readers, voice control, switch devices, or cognitive supports—Whistl is designed to work for you. If you encounter barriers, we want to know and will work to fix them.

Related: Customization Guide | Whistl for ADHD | All Whistl Features