For most users, using a mobile phone is a simple, everyday activity, but there are millions of people for whom the experience can be complex or even inaccessible. People with cognitive disabilities, the elderly, children, patients with neurological impairment or other conditions such as autism or speech difficulties, face real challenges in taking advantage of smartphone features. With this challenge in mind, Google has launched Action Blocks, a free app that takes accessibility and ease of use to the next level, allowing you to create pictograms and shortcuts to everyday tasks from the home screen of any Android device.
What is Action Blocks and who is it for?
Action Blocks It's an application developed by Google and specifically designed to improve mobile accessibility, making interaction easier for users with cognitive disabilities, the elderly, mobility difficulties, or anyone who prefers to perform quick and simple actions with a single tap. Its goal is to make the mobile device more inclusive, integrating technology into the daily lives of all household members.
It is designed with in mind Users with conditions such as advanced dementia, Alzheimer's, autism, Down syndrome, speech difficulties, cerebral palsy, ALS, brain injuries, motor impairment, aphasia, Parkinson's, essential tremor, and those who rely on alternative communication methods or assistive devicesHowever, anyone looking to simplify their mobile experience can benefit from Action Blocks.
One of its most powerful features is that integrates tens of thousands of pictographic communication symbols (PCS® Tobii Dynavox), very popular among users of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems or in special education settings. Plus, the app is completely free, with no in-app purchases or ads, and is compatible with Android 5.0 or higher.
How does Action Blocks work and what can it do?
The core of Action Blocks resides in the possibility of creating custom action blocks, represented as large, eye-catching buttons (widgets with pictograms or images), which you can place on the home screen of a mobile phone or tablet. Each “block” executes, with a single touch, any function available through the widget. Google Assistant.
- Make calls to family or friends, showing your photo for easy recognition.
- Send preconfigured messages to ask for help, give a warning or report your location.
- Play favorite videos on YouTube, music, open applications or access websites.
- Check the weather forecast, news, reminders or set alarms.
- Control smart home devices (lights, thermostats, etc.) associated with Google Home.
- Run complete routines, such as turning everything on/off before sleeping, sending location or activating special modes.
- Augmentative communication: saying phrases or words aloud for people with speech difficulties or aphasia.
Thanks to its integration with the Google Assistant, Action Blocks can do exactly the same thing that the voice assistant allows, but through a graphic button, pictogram or personalized photograph, without the need to remember commands or interact verbally.This is especially helpful for those who cannot speak, have pronunciation difficulties, memory problems, or language barriers.
How to create, configure, and customize action blocks
Creating an action block is intuitive and designed so anyone can prepare it, even family members or patients who are unable to do so themselves. Here are the detailed steps:
- Open the Action Blocks app on your Android device.
- Click on “Create Action Block” or the similar option to add a new action block.
- Defines the action that the block will performYou can select a suggested command (for example, call mom, ask for help, play music) or create your own custom command for the Google Assistant. Enter the command in the language you've set up the Assistant for (if you're using Google Assistant in Spanish, the commands must be in Spanish).
- Try the actionAction Blocks allow you to verify that the command executes correctly before saving the block. If it doesn't work as expected, you can edit it and adjust the command.
- Customize the block adding a name, choosing from the available pictograms, using your own image (such as a photo of a family member, an object, or a striking icon), or even combining both. For people with Alzheimer's or dementia, viewing the contact's photo helps with recognition.
- Decide if you want the device to speak the command out loud when pressing the block (recommended for people with low vision, but not if there is sensitive information).
- Activate the vibration option If you want physical feedback when pressing the button, useful for those with visual or motor disabilities.
- Save the block and add it to your home screen.You can place the block wherever you prefer on your desktop, or go to the widgets and select Action Block from the list to place it in the most accessible location.
The interface is simple, tailored to cognitive needs, and allows the process to be repeated to create as many blocks as desired, facilitating customization based on the user's routine and preferences. Furthermore, Action Blocks can be used in conjunction with other accessibility technologies, such as Switch Access or Voice Access, making interaction with the device even easier for people with reduced mobility or who use external switches.
Main advantages of using Action Blocks in everyday life
- Increases autonomy of people with cognitive disabilities, reduced mobility, vision problems or advanced age, allowing the mobile phone to truly adapt to their level of ability.
- Reduce errors and confusion by avoiding having to navigate complex menus, write long texts, or learn difficult phone functions.
- Facilitates rapid communication with family members, emergency services, caregivers, or day centers, thanks to scheduled messages and calls.
- Allows for a safe environment minimizing risks associated with dangerous apps or improper configurations, since only essential buttons are exposed.
- full customization: The content of each block can be tailored to the user's specific needs, using photos, recognizable symbols, and short texts.
- Support for speech difficulties: Thanks to the option for the assistant to speak phrases, it is useful for communicating needs even in urgent contexts.
- Increases motivation of users to use their mobile phone and interact with their environment, improving social integration and self-esteem.
El The range of possibilities is enormousFrom calling family members with just a tap on their photo, checking directions, ordering a taxi, sending automatic messages, controlling home devices, to accessing exercise routines or entertainment, Action Blocks It transforms the mobile phone into a truly personalized panel, useful even for users without any disabilities who want to simplify their daily lives.
Action Blocks Requirements, Compatibility, and Download
To install and start enjoying all the benefits of Action Blocks, please keep in mind the following requirements:
- Device with Android 5.0 or higherYou can check the version in Settings > System > About phone.
- Google Assistant installed and active, since Action Blocks depends on it to execute commands.
- Updated version of the Google app (the most recent one is recommended to ensure compatibility).
- Internet connection, as the Google Assistant requires online access for some commands.
Downloading Action Blocks is very simple. It is available for free on Google Play and contains no ads or in-app purchases. The installation process is the same as for any other standard app:
Once downloaded, you can start creating blocks for yourself, a loved one, or anyone else who might benefit. The process is the same whether the end user has a disability, is elderly, or is simply looking to make their digital routine easier.
ImportantAlthough the app's interface is in English, Assistant commands can be configured in Spanish or any supported language. Just make sure to type the command in the language that Google Assistant supports on your device.
Additional tips and accessibility resources for Android
Action Blocks is just one of the many accessibility tools that Android offersFor a safe and easy mobile experience, you can combine it with other solutions designed for different types of disabilities:
- TalkBack: Screen reader for people who are blind or have low vision, which narrates everything you see and touch on your phone.
- State selection: Allows Android to read aloud any selected text, ideal for users with reading difficulties.
- Accessibility Scan and Switch Access: They facilitate access for people with mobility problems by connecting buttons or external switches to the mobile phone.
- VoiceAccess: Control your phone completely with your voice, without having to touch the screen.
- Gboard: Virtual keyboard with voice dictation, integrated search, and accessibility options.
- Live Transcribe: Transcribes in real time what is being said around you, useful for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Sound amplifier: Improves sound quality and eliminates unwanted noise, even compatible with Bluetooth headsets.
Android has a dedicated accessibility section in the system settings, where you can activate, adjust, and combine all of these options based on your needs. It's recommended to take the time to explore and properly configure each section to achieve maximum autonomy and security.
What problems does Action Blocks solve and who can benefit?
The arrival of Action Blocks It represents a bridge between technology and social integration For those who have traditionally been at risk of digital exclusion. These are some scenarios where it is especially valuable:
- People with cognitive disabilities: It allows you to avoid complex steps, replacing chains of actions with a simple visual and recognizable tap.
- Seniors with technological difficulties: Set up your parents', grandparents', or nursing home residents' cell phones so they can call, ask for help, or communicate simply by tapping a family photo.
- Patients with Alzheimer's, dementia or memory impairment: Pictures, colors, and symbols improve recognition and reduce frustration.
- Users with autism or neurodiverse syndromes: Predefined routines, pictograms and messages provide calm and predictability, minimizing stress in the face of changes or unexpected situations.
- Small children: controlled access to calls, educational games or secure multimedia content.
- People with speech difficulties or language disorders: access to phrases and words that the assistant can say automatically.
- People with reduced mobility: Quick access to critical functions without fine movement, compatible with physical accessories.
- Users with low vision or partial blindness: large blocks, vibration and auditory feedback for each action.
Implementing it in daycare centers, schools, nursing homes, hospitals, or private homes expands the autonomy of these groups, promotes digital inclusion, and reduces dependence on third parties for daily tasks.
Inspiring use cases to get the most out of it
- Emergency call: A large red button on the screen to call 112, a family member or assistance services with one touch.
- Quick location: Automatically send your location to a caregiver or family member in case of disorientation.
- Ask for help: Automatic messages reporting discomfort or need for assistance. Multiple recipients can be programmed.
- Visual comunication: The phone can speak for the user, facilitating simple phrases like “I'm hungry,” “I want to rest,” or “I can't find my glasses.”
- Controlled entertainment: Access secure multimedia content, such as your favorite YouTube videos, audiobooks, or educational games.
- Scheduled routines: Create blocks to start morning routines, medication time, exercise, or any repetitive sequence.
- Home automation control: Activate lights, heating, or smart locks from graphic blocks, without navigating through complex applications.
Frequently Asked Questions about Action Blocks
- Is Action Blocks free?
- Yes, the app is completely free and can be downloaded from Google Play with no limitations or in-app purchases.
- Does it work on all Android devices?
- Action Blocks requires Android 5.0 or higher. It's compatible with smartphones and tablets.
- What happens if the user cannot speak?
- You can use blocks to have the assistant speak phrases for you or activate other functions without relying on speech.
- Can I use personal images as pictograms?
- Yes, you can choose any photo saved on your device to customize the blocks, in addition to the default icons.
- Is it safe for children and adults?
- Yes, you can set up only the necessary blocks and limit access to other applications for a secure environment.
With Action Blocks, Google takes a step further in digital inclusion, making technology truly universal, accessible, and useful for everyone. If you've already tried Action Blocks, or think it could change the life of a family member or friend, tell us about your experience or leave your questions in the comments at the bottom of the page. Discover how technological accessibility can open new doors and improve quality of life regardless of age or condition.
