Tag: iPhone

10 Things To Know About iPhone Accessibility

Updated September 24, 2024.

The iPhone is quite possibly the most adopted device ever, for people with vision loss. This is because it is accessible out-of-the-box, even if you can’t see the screen at all. If there is one good reason to use an iPhone, there are a hundred good reasons. Here are the top 10.

How to turn on Accessibility on iPhone

To find Accessibility in iPhone, go to Settings > Accessibility > Vision. Here you will discover options to personalize settings for VoiceOver, Zoom, Display & Text Size, Spoken Content and Siri. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to use the #1 tip on this list, call Apple Accessibility Support at 877-204-3930.

1. Live accessibility support is always available.
Apple has an Accessibility Support line that you can reach at 877-204-3930. This line is dedicated to addressing the needs of customers with visual, hearing, motor and learning impairments. Don’t go at it alone, call for help 24/7. Get expert assistance with all features in this post, and more.

2. VoiceOver makes it possible to use the iPhone even if you can’t see the screen.
VoiceOver is the intuitively designed, gesture-based screen reader that enables people with low vision or total blindness to fully access the iPhone. Touch or drag your finger around the screen and VoiceOver tells you what’s there. Swipe left or right to move from one element to the next. Double-tap to activate a link. VoiceOver is speech output; you do not speak to it, it speaks to you. Click for a list of VoiceOver Gestures.

3. Siri is ready to follow your voice commands.
Siri, your virtual assistant, will send text messages, place calls, schedule a meeting, and even turn VoiceOver on and off. Communicate hands free with “Hey Siri” and Siri will always speak responses, so ask a question and hear the answer spoken. Learn more at these links on OE: 10 Things Siri Will Do If You Ask and 10 MORE Things Siri .

4. Dictation turns your speech to text.
Whenever there is a keyboard, there is the option to dictate instead of typing. Tap the microphone key and speak as your words are converted to text. The microphone key is usually located at the lower right corner, below the keyboard or to the left of the space bar. Get started with this step-by-step tutorial: Are You A Dictator?

5. Speak Screen reads to you upon request.
Turn on Speak Screen in Accessibility Settings, under the heading: Spoken Content. Turn on Speech Controller and an expandable button will appear on every page, allowing you to adjust voice speed, go back, pause or go forward. Learn more about The Freedom of Speech.

6. Make the screen easier to see.
A simple adjustment to Display and Brightness or Accessibility Settings can make your screen easier to read. Try more or less bright, increase the size of text and consider making it bold.

7. Pinch to Zoom.
To get a closer look at an image, tap it to expand, then use thumb and index finger to pinch out on screen and zoom in.

8. The camera turns into a Magnifier with light.
Turn on the Magnifier in Accessibility Settings and the iPhone’s camera will increase the size of anything you point it at, up to 15x. See details more clearly, and use the flash to light the object. More about this on OE at: Using the iPhone Magnifier.

9. Safari Reader makes web pages easier to read.
Tap the AA at left of address bar for page settings, then select Show Reader. This feature magically removes ads and other elements that clutter the page, leaving only the content you want to read without distractions.

10. Spoken feedback and image recognition assist your photography.
Using VoiceOver, the camera will say how many faces and where they are in the frame. Hear where and when the photos were taken, and touch the image with 3 fingers to hear description or read text in the photo.

September 24, 2024
Things Siri Will Do, If You Ask
How to Ask Siri for Answers

Siri is the virtual assistant from Apple, available to help you in iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Mac. We can set “Hey Siri” to respond to our voice without touching the device, or we can summon Siri with a short press on the home button.

Siri can help us, amuse us, and amaze us. Here are some of the things Siri will do. You just have to know how to ask. When used with VoiceOver, Siri always speaks back.

Top 20 Siri Voice Commands
1. Open an app…”Open Camera.”
2. Reminders…”Remind me to bring home milk.”
3. Weather…”What is the weather in Seattle?”
4. Make a phone call…”Call Mitchell.”
5. Text message…”Tell Evan I’ll be there in 10 minutes.”
6. Email…”Send an email to Danielle.”
7. Clock…”What is the time in Rome?”
8. Set an alarm…”Wake me at 6.”
9. Music…”Play Let It Be.”
10. For more you can just ask Siri…”What can you do for me?”
11. Settings…”Turn on Do Not Disturb.” And more.
12. Translate…”How do you say Good Morning in Spanish?”
13. Sports…”Did the Giants win?”
14. Contacts…”What is Frank’s address?”
15. Stocks…”What is Apple’s stock price?”
16. Location…”Where is the nearest Bank of America?”
17. Photos…”Show my Photos from Montauk.”
18. Maps…”Get me directions home.”
19. Q&A…”How many ounces in a liter?.”
20. Web Search…”Search the web for Siri commands.”
April 22, 2024
Best Gifts For The Visually Impaired

Finding the right gift, for someone who has a visual impairment, can be complicated. Great gifts come in many forms and at many prices. So, as usual, we are including some gifts that don’t cost a lot and some that don’t cost anything, because the gift of empowerment is priceless!

Gift Box With A White Ribbon In Female Hands. Gift Giving. The Woman Gives A Gift. Birthday Present.

️

⭐️These Gifts are Priceless…

• OE Subscription – Free

Sign someone you love up for monthly email updates providing the best practical tips and most encouraging advice for living with vision loss. And get them connected to the OE Patients Podcast, a must for listeners with low vision, available on OE, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Sign up here: OEPatients.org/signup

• Hadley Video Tutorials – Free

As close to a private instructor as you can get, for training on the use of Apple, Android and Microsoft accessibility features.

Read Meet Hadley 2.0, Your Personal Tutor

Visit: HadleyHelps.org

• Be My Eyes – Free

This free app connects visually impaired and blind users with 4 million sighted volunteers, ready to lend a good pair of eyes, or get specialized help from Google, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Spotify, Accessible Pharmacy and many more.

Read The Benevolence of Be My Eyes

Visit: BeMyEyes.com

⭐️Handy Gifts to Give or Get…

• BoldWriter Pens – $15

A must-have stocking stuffer. This is the most coveted and appreciated writing tool for low vision users. Its dark bold line never bleeds through paper. Buy on Amazon.

• AutoDrop – $7

Another great stocking stuffer that everyone will thank you for. This guide for getting the drops into the eye, not all over the face, is inexpensive enough to give in multiples.

Read AutoDrop Is A Real Eye Opener.

Buy it on Amazon

Image shows vibrant and delicious looking freshly picked oranges.

• A Case of Oranges -$30+

Citrus is getting a lot of good press, and oranges are always a crowd pleaser. We are learning that an orange a day, may keep the vision loss at bay, particularly in the case of age-related macular degeneration. Send someone you love a case and help them get into the regular habit of enjoying the benefits.

Read 5 Sight Saving Habits to Start Now

Ship oranges from HaleGroves.com

• Large Print Playing Cards – $6

We love the easy reading whimsey of these larger than life playing cards.

Check out: Amazon

Breaking Eggs graphic image shows egg wearing headphones.

• Breaking Eggs, an audio guide to baking with Ruby Tandon — $5

We love this audible baking guide. It’s like a fabulous private cooking class for delicious baked goods, no reading required.

Read Breaking Eggs Makes Baking Audible

Buy it on Audible

Image shows graphic image of stand mirror in white on green background.

• Magnifying Mirror – $20+

You don’t have to have low vision to love this gift.

• Optelec Compact MINI Magnifier – $295

An electronic magnifier for low vision with contrast settings and magnification to 11x. Small and light, fits easily into a pocket.

Go to Optelec.

• Multi LED Magnifier – $9.99

A simple illuminated magnifier for everyone. Slips into a pocket. Magnifies up to 6x.

At the Container Store.

• 20/20 Pens by Paper Mate $7.95

For people living with low vision, these pens are simply the best. The dense black line that won’t bleed through the page.

Get them on Amazon.

• Jumbo Playing Cards $9.99

Easy to see, whimsical and fun for any age.

On Amazon.

Read Best Magnifying Mirrors in 2022 Reviews

⭐️Gift a Subscription…

• Audible – $90+ year

Treat someone you love to a subscription and they’ll get to enjoy 1 new audiobook, of their choosing, each month.

Visit the Audible website and you might even find a special deal.

Image shows hand holding smartphone while using Aira app in supermarket.

• Aira – $30+ a month

Everyone with vision loss should know there are professionally trained agents available on this subscription based service to assist with all kinds of tasks through the smartphone camera, on the Aira app. Call for help reading cooking directions, setting a thermostat or appliance setting, confirming a location and reading text. Help is also available fee free at guest locations like: AT&T, Bank of America, Starbucks, Target, Walgreens and Wegmans.

Subscriptions begin at $29 a month for 30 minutes.

Fund a subscription or give a gift credit at: Aira.io

Call Customer Care: 800-835-1934

• GoGo Grandparent – $10+ a month

The service will not only get you an Uber or a Lyft without a smartphone, it now accepts phone orders for delivery of meals and groceries. Open an account for someone you love or upgrade them to GoGo Gold. Here’s how it works:

Read: GoGo Grandparent Gets an Uber Without an App

⭐️Talking Tech and Smart Devices…

Image shows: Apple iPad and AirPods on a gray mat.

• Apple iPhone or iPad – $329+

Tops in terms of accessibility for people with vision loss, these are big gifts that keep giving in more ways than we can possibly count.

Read 10 Things to Know About iPhone Accessibility for Vision

Read iPad Accessibility Set Just Right for You

• Apple AirPods – $169

A most desirable gift for anyone, but particularly sweet and thoughtful for someone with vision loss who depends on the audible features of their mobile devices. Pairs with Apple devices without needing even a click.

More at Apple.com

• Apple AirTags -$30+

This gift will eliminate the potential for self-loathing that occurs when you can’t find keys, wallets or other personal essentials. A small disk is attached to lead you to the item or prevent it’s loss to begin with.

Read Lost and Found with AirTags

More about AirTags at Apple

Image shows the Kindle Paperwhite e-Reader.

• Kindle – $140+

At this point, the Amazon Kindle is a classic e-Reader and an old favorite among people needing a boost in contrast or font size. The Kindle Paperwhite is a great choice and one of the truly easy electronics to operate.

Visit the Kindle on Amazon

Image shows gray Google Home mini speaker.

• Smart Speakers – $50+

Alexa, Google, Siri, it’s your pick, we love them all! A variety of models to choose from, with something for everyone. This is a most desirable gift and it’s perfectly fine to have more than one around the house.

Here’s why they’re great for people with low vision: Smart Speakers You Ask They Answer

• Fire Tablet with Alexa – $50+

The tablet with Alexa built-in will read Kindle aloud and play Audible books – just ask.

Read Alexa, Read My Book

• Amazon Echo from $119

The voice-controlled smart speaker connects to the intelligent assistant Alexa. Ask for news, weather, sports scores, trivia. It will read you a book or order your groceries, and that’s just the beginning. This item has been widely adopted by people with low vision and blindness. It’s good for everyone!

Get it on Amazon, of course.

⭐️Gift Cards Give Freedom…

Image shows Apple Gift Card.

• Gift Cards — $25+

Gift cards are the most popular gift in America, they provide benefit to the giver and the receiver, especially easy when they’re digital. It is perhaps the most thoughtful gift of all, to fund the gift your recipient desires.

Here are some ideas:

Apple Gift Card

Amazon Gift Card

Audible Gift Card

Aira Gift Credit

This article was previously published November 20, 2020 and updated November 16, 2021.

Please note: this post was not influenced or sponsored by any of the parties mentioned and we derive no financial benefit from the content.

April 6, 2024
Everyday iPhone Accessibility Tips & Tricks

The Accessibility Settings and features in iPhone are best in class, but not as widely known to users as we would hope. On the other hand, there are universal features that significantly improve accessibility for everyone, visually impaired or not. Although Apple does not consider features like Siri, Dictation, Apple Pay and AirDrop, accessibility features, we do. The list of tips and tricks, that magically make everyday things easier, is potentially massive. Starting with just a few here and we’ll add from time to time. Take what you need and leave the rest.

Hey Siri

Go to Siri and Search Settings on mobile to enable Listen for Siri to communicate voice commands without touching the device. Now just say, “Hey Siri, what time is it?”, “Hey Siri, how is the weather?”, “Hey Siri, Play some music.”

Ask Siri to Open Apps

This is the easiest way to open apps, without searching on your iPhone (iPad, iPod touch), just ask Siri to open the app by name. Press the side button (or the home button) and say, “Open Weather.” Or say, Hey Siri, Open News,” to launch an app, hands free.

Hey Siri, Speak Screen

Siri will read the screen contents to you when Speak Screen is turned “On” in Settings. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Spoken Content > Speak Screen > turn On. Say, “Hey Siri, Speak Screen,” or 2-finger swipe down from the top of the screen and listen as Siri reads to you.

Hey Siri, Answer on Speaker

Answer an incoming call, hands free, and on speaker, by saying, “Hey Siri, Answer on Speaker.” You can also just say, Hey Siri, Answer.” with AirPods in ears.

For a truly hands free call, Siri will also Hang Up the call (in iOS 16 on iPhone 11 or later, or on older phones using AirPods. Turn on the feature in Settings> Accessibility> Siri > Call Hang Up> ON.

Set How Long Siri Waits for You to Speak

In iOS 16 you can set Siri to pause, a little longer, while you finish speaking. Update in Settings> Accessibility> Siri> Siri Pause Time> Longer or Longest.

Automatic punctuation as You Dictate

No need to speak punctuation and no more endless run on sentences. As you speak the punctuation is added seamlessly.

Insert Emojis with Dictation

Emojis are now available for the asking (in iOS 16 on iPhone X and later). While composing messages with Siri or Dictation, add emoji by saying it’s name, like this, “red heart emoji,’ “winking face emoji,” “clapping hands emoji.”

Back Tap Accessibility Shortcut

Set quick access to frequently used features or apps with a double or triple tap on the back of iPhone. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap, then select Double or Triple Tap and the feature or app you wish to access.

iPhone 12 front, back and home screen

Hey Siri, Turn on Dark Mode

Ask Siri to turn on / off Dark Mode, to reverse black and white, if you are experiencing issues with screen contrast or eye strain.

Apple Pay

When it comes to using credit cards, it doesn’t get easier than Apple Pay. No fumbling around for the card or with the processing machine, just hold it near, let it scan and approve with face or code. For online or in-app purchases, no need to input credit card numbers or shipping info, it’s already in the Apple Pay account.

AirDrop

When you need to send something to a different screen, AirDrop is instantaneous, between your own devices, or others in proximity. So, if you want to see an image on a larger screen or send a link to someone nearby, just click share, then the nearest device available for AirDrop…and it’s delivered directly, in seconds.

Quickly Open Flashlight or Camera

How many times have you needed more light in a hurry, or to use the Camera immediately? For quick access to the iPhone Flashlight or Camera, there are two ways to open with one quick step right from the locked screen.

1. Say “Hey Siri, Turn on flashlight.”

2. On the bottom left is a button to turn on or off Flashlight and on the right is a button to open the Camera.

Post originally published Apr 11, 2022, and updated Oct 21, 2022.

October 21, 2022
App Rapidly Turns Text To Speech
An unknown app named OneStep Reader mysteriously appeared in an iOS app update. It became clear upon opening it, this was an old app with a new name. The app, formerly known as KNFB Reader, was taken over from the National Federation of the Blind by Sensotec. Beyond the name and the ownership change, not much else is new, even the $100 purchase price remains the same, which is likely to be its greatest barrier to growth, considering there are many good alternatives at fractions of that cost. It will be interesting to see what Sensotec has in store. Perhaps the most impressive note to this story is how far the OCR technology has traveled to arrive at this place, and how far we’ve come in our expectations.

The article below, published in 2018, provides a brief history of KNFB Reader.

Do you need help reading mail, package info, handouts, cooking directions, price tags, signs? There’s an app for all that. The KNFB Reader converts text to speech, instantly.

It is worth noting: this is technology with a pedigree. Developed by Ray Kurzweil, currently Director of Engineering at Google, he is the father of OCR (Optical Character Recognition). In its original form, it took shape as the Kurzweil Reading Machine for the blind. The year was 1976, the machine was the size of a dishwasher and the cost: $40,000.

In 2008, Kurzweil and the National Federation of the Blind joined forces to introduce the first mobile version of the reading machine. It ran on a Nokia phone and was priced at a shocking: $3,000.

Just a few years later, the much anticipated KNFB Reader App for iPhone (and iPad) was delivered to the App Store. The Android and Windows apps followed, and they’re all compatible with their respective screen readers.

The KNFB Reader app opens the camera. The right side of the screen offers a “field of view report” to assist alignment of the picture. Tap the left side of the screen to snap the photo. In seconds, the text appears and the reading aloud begins. It’s fast, accurate and relatively easy to use.

The app includes a quick start guide and manual. Read and save multi-page documents. Multiple languages are supported. Set to automatically save files to Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, or Google Drive. In recent updates, you can make calls, send emails, and open links directly from documents. You can even contact someone from a business card.

This is relatively easy to use, but like all new things, it may require a bit of acclimating. Practice makes perfect! The incredible benefit is well worth the effort.

You just might start wondering how you functioned without it.

The KNFB Reader App is available on the App Store, on Google Play, and on the Windows Store.

Resources

Watch instructional video from Hadley’s iFocus.
- Web: www.knfbreader.com
- Phone: 347.422.7085
- Email: [email protected]
Please note that this article was not paid for, affiliated with, or endorsed by any third-party companies. The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author’s.

Originally published on August 3, 2018 and updated on April 14, 2022.
April 14, 2022
At 90, Edythe Gets Her iPad

In the early summer of 2013, Edythe Heyman came to my office, at the Lighthouse in New York, for a scheduled technology consultation. Diagnosed with macular degeneration in her 60’s, she had been legally blind for many years, and was then just months from her 90th birthday. With vision loss progressing, and no treatment or correction in sight, Edythe was referred to me, by her retina specialist, to explore the ways she might use an iPad. Seeking solutions to compensate for vision loss, she was particularly interested in finding ways she could continue reading The New York Times. I well understood the proposition, it was among the top requests from low vision patients and a loss I had experienced myself.

Although she did not use a personal computer, Edythe was not new to assistive technology. She utilized a video magnifier to read mail, for example, but it was not conducive to reading a newspaper. She adopted an early version of the OrCam reader, but that too, proved to be less than optimal for reading the news. She was able, however, to satisfy her love of books, by switching to audiobooks, with a subscription to the National Library Service Talking Books program, early on.

At our first meeting, I demonstrated how Apple’s iOS devices used the VoiceOver screen reader to turn text to speech. We explored the ways Edythe might use an iPad to read The New York Times, read e-Books, audiobooks, and communicate by email, all by mobile apps. She was anxious to give it a try, and we gave her the opportunity to navigate the touch screen, trying out some of the VoiceOver gestures that give the iPad (and iPhone) a voice. She also got to try out some of the Siri voice commands and very quickly became interested to get started learning. I provided the details she would need to buy her iPad at the Apple Store and get it set up properly andWe reviewed how the training would be structured. I then cautioned Edythe, as I did everyone about to embark on the VoiceOver learning experience, “It will not be easy. You must be willing to work at it. Practice, on a daily basis, is essential for success. It will be frustrating at times, but soon it will become second nature. Learning VoiceOver is well worth the effort and it will change your life!”

A fair number of my potential students left with the iPad or iPhone buying instructions in hand, and the cautionary words echoing in their head, never to be heard from again. Edythe Heyman returned one week later, with her new iPad, all set up and ready to go. She was able to accomplish her goal of reading her favorite newspaper again, everyday, with efficiency and with joy. She learned to communicate with family and friends by email, using a combination of Siri and VoiceOver, and she delighted in saving photos sent by family to her iPad Photos app.

Photo of Edythe Heyman at age 92
Image Credit: Lighthouse Guild

Edythe was not only there to learn, she was also there to teach us. A Lighthouse Guild Vision+Health publication from 2015 states, “At 92 years old, Edythe Heyman proves that there is no age barrier to learning new technology. No longer able to read standard print, she has embraced accessible technology to help her stay informed and in touch. ‘One of my great pleasures was taking The New York Times with me to the breakfast table and reading it. I can’t do that anymore,’ says Edythe, ‘Now I can access The New York Times app, listen to the latest books and use email.’

Edythe Heyman passed away, at age 98, on December 1, 2021. The New York Times obituary in her memory ended with, “Edythe’s friends are asked simply to remember her.” She was a friend of mine and a generous supporter of the Association for Macular Diseases, OE Patients, Lighthouse Guild and many other organizations. She was an inspiration and she will be missed.

December 22, 2021
VoiceOver Speaks To You
When a visual impairment makes reading screen text, on a mobile phone or tablet, an arduous endeavor, it may be time to embrace VoiceOver (VO). The gesture based screen reader, built-in to the Apple iPhone and iPad, will read the words to you.

Turning on the Apple iOS screen reader can be as easy as asking Siri to “Turn on VoiceOver.” It can also be turned on in Accessibility Settings, and an Accessibility Shortcut can be set to turn on, or off, from the home screen. It is wise to first get comfortable turning VoiceOver on and off, as the regular touchscreen gestures are not functional while VO is in use.

Once VoiceOver is engaged, on your iPhone or iPad ,it requires the use of unique gestures to navigate the screen. For example: Touch or tap once to select an item and the voice tells you what it is, then double tap, anywhere on the screen, to activate the selected item. There are 12 VO gestures listed below to practice. It takes some time and concerted effort to switch from seeing to hearing the text, but it is well worth the work. In fact, once mastered, this method evokes joy.

The key to success is repetition, so go ahead and practice, practice, practice. Before long you will have learned to listen and move around the screens with great ease. The VoiceOver gestures will become second nature, committed to muscle memory.

Use your earbuds or AirPods and VoiceOver will speak just to you, privately in your ear.

Stylish mature woman practicing VoiceOver gestures on her iPhone.

Here are the Voice Over Gestures you need to know.
- Single Tap — select an item and it speaks
- Double Tap — activates selected item (tap anywhere on screen)
- One Finger Flick — right or left reads from item to item (left or right)
- Two Finger Swipe Down — starts reading at selected item
- Two Finger Swipe Up –- starts reading from top of page
- Three Finger Flick Right –- scroll forward one page
- Three Finger Flick Left –- scroll back one page
- Three Finger Flick Down/Up –- scroll up or down one page
- Three Finger Flick Down on Home Page — to open search field
- One Finger Swipe Down to 1st vibration (or with Home Button swipe up from bottom) — to open Control Center
- One Finger Swipe Down from Top to 2nd vibration (or press on Home Button) — for Notifications screen
- One Finger Swipe Up from Bottom to Top (or Press Home Button Twice) — for App Switcher
(*Note: There is a “Screen Curtain” option that blackens the screen while using VoiceOver. It is sometimes turned on accidentally when 3 fingers touch the screen 3 times. Tapping with 3 fingers 3 times again will restore the screen.)

Don’t forget, should you need help — call Apple Accessibility Support at 877.204.3939. They are on call 24/7 and Voice Over is one of their specialties.

We also love Hadley’s Listen with VoiceOver Series, video tutorials always available when you need them.

This post was originally published Feb 27, 2017 and updated Jul 15, 2021.
July 15, 2021
The Freedom of Speech
Almost any degree of vision loss can make reading an arduous activity. Small text, low contrast or fancy fonts and creative color schemes often add insults to injury. As the difficulty progresses, we attempt to resolve the lacking legibility with magnifiers and more light. It often becomes a juggling act, and still the reading is just not easy.

We are hearing more and more about how people are utilizing the speech features in iPhone and Android. There is far less resistance to using speech technology now, because it is no longer an all or nothing proposition. Everyone can select just how much speech they need or desire, without having to deal with the significant learning curve a full function screen reader entails. The lighter speech options fill in the gaps across the spectrum of vision loss and may be helpful in stepping up to the full screen reader, if and when it becomes necessary.

So go ahead, take some pressure off, and start enjoying the freedom that speech can provide. While all the features are available on tablets too, it comes in particularly handy on a smartphone’s smaller screen. And if for some reason you don’t care for the voice you hear, there are plenty of others to select from.

Apple iOS (iPhone, iPad)

To access speech features in Settings go to General > Accessibility > Speech.
- Speak Selection – highlight text with the drag of a finger and the control buttons will appear, tap ‘Speak’ (or ask Siri to “Speak Selection”).
- Speak Screen – swipe down from the top with 2 fingers to have the entire screen read to you.
- Typing Feedback – hear letters, words, corrections and predictions when you cannot see the keyboard clearly.
- VoiceOver – the full function screen reader, operated with its own set of gestures. This is involves a leaning curve. More about this on OE: Let VoiceOver Do The Reading
- Speaking Rate – adjust the speed to your preference.
- Voices – if you don’t like the default voice, there are plenty of others to choose from.
- Voice Control – allows you to use your voice to control your iOS device.
- Voice Assistant – Siri is there for the asking, make a call, send a message, search the web and much more.
10 Things Siri Will Do If You Ask

10 MORE Things Siri Will Do If You Ask

Android OS

Many similar speech features are included in Android devices and can be found in the Settings app under Accessibility.
- Select to Speak – for Android reads selected text or describes selected items.
- TalkBack – is Google’s screen reader included on Android devices, (like VoiceOver) it provides spoken feedback enabling the use of device without seeing the screen.
- Voices – choose your preferred speech engine, speaking rate and pitch.
- Voice Assistant – Say “Hey Google,” and the Android smart assistant is at your service
Speech for some is a natural transition, for others it takes some adjusting. For everyone with vision loss, it’s an excellent alternative.

This article was originally published Aug 23, 2019 and updated May 17, 2021
May 17, 2021
Apple News+ Audio

If you like having the news read to you, it should come as no surprise many others do too. It’s a welcomed option for people with vision loss, and a much appreciated alternative for people driving cars, commuting, working out, taking a walk or cooking dinner. You may be one who also prefers listening to a human voice, as opposed to a computer simulated voice. The good news is you can get all that now, and more, for a small fee.

There is an abundance and a diversity of news stories available daily, on the News app from Apple, without a fee. However, the Audio content is part of the Apple News+ upgrade, for $9.99 a month in the US, and in the UK, Canada and Australia (with price converted based on currency , of course). The premium subscription gives you access to over 300 popular magazines, newspapers and digital publications in addition to the Audio features.

Image shows screenshots of Apple News+ Audio and magazines pages.

A curated selection of new Audio stories are produced each week highlighting longform journalism from a variety of publications that include Wall Street Journal, Time, Wired, Los Angeles Times, Vogue, Esquire, and Sports Illustrated, to name just a few. You’ll find a breathtaking catalog of publications in the Apple New+ subscription like The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, National Geographic, Vanity Fair, O Magazine, Food & Wine, Architectural Digest and hundreds more.

Apple News Today is a hosted daily news update available free to all listeners, Monday through Friday. This audio feature is a podcast review of the important topics of the day with a look at how top journalists are reporting the news.

Let’s not forget, there are a number of ways to get Apple News content read to you utilizing one of these useful features found in Apple Accessibility Settings: Speak Screen, Speak Selection and VoiceOver. These are excellent solutions for reading all print articles, courtesy of the computer voice, which honestly, to most ears, is quite good,

Apple News is available free on iPhone, iPad and Mac devices which offer an opportunity for customers to experience a free month subscription when adding Apple News+.

October 19, 2020
Hooray For Inclusive Technology

As I sit down to write an article, a book or a letter, I am really amazed by the many devices that are now available for people with low vision. I am happy to have them and to have learned to utilize and become comfortable with them.

A computer with a 26 inch monitor, ZoomText magnification and speech program and large print yellow keyboard, greet me each morning. I am legally blind, so it is set to show the date and time in very large print.

An electronic magnifier (CCTV) sits beside my computer, for increasing the size of printed text for research and writing. A recently purchased printer that scans and copies, enables the scanning of articles and images directly into the computer. I use a laser printer as well, set up just to print labels.

I have the luxury of an Amazon Echo and Alexa, which I ask to confirm spelling on any words I am unsure of, and Siri on my iPhone also answers many questions I have. Google too, is very smart and efficient at answering questions about almost anything in the world!

My iPhone enables texting by voice, using Siri or Dictation, and Siri reads text messages and emails to me. There is a Speech option in iOS Accessibility Settings that allows me to highlight text and have it read back aloud. There is also a full function screen reader called VoiceOver, that reads everything when it is engaged.

I’m in the process of learning Dragon Speech to Text, which will then enable me to speak directly to the computer and have the words converted to text, appearing on the screen. This could bring a whole new approach to my writing.

If technology issues arise there is technical support available 24/7. Apple’s Accessibility Support Line (877-204-3930) provides expert help for all Apple products. Microsoft products are supported by the Disability Answer Desk (800-936-5900) by phone, and also with the Be My Eyes app, which provides visual assistance.

You might also try, Talking Camera, Seeing AI and Magnifying Glass on your smartphone, or look through your app store for any of these accessibility apps that can make life a bit easier. One of my most precious possessions is a mini electronic magnifier that I can carry with me, but now with a magnifying app in the phone, I no longer have to carry two devices.

It feels lucky to me, having so much technology that compensates for my vision loss and allows me to continue a very productive life. And if I can benefit from all these advances…so can you!

June 27, 2019
Accessibility Event Recaps of 2018
This year, we were thrilled to hold our “Accessibility Resources for People With Visual Impairments” series at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital in NYC, supported by the Association for Macular Diseases.

Events were lively, fun and full of laughter and discussion, covering an abundance of exciting topics, from smart speakers to electronic glasses to the latest and best in accessibility apps. Our audiences spoke up and exchanged thought-provoking opinions on favorites, preferences, and future developments in accessibility.

If you missed any of our events, not to worry! We return in Spring 2019. Meanwhile, explore the best of this year’s event recaps and accessibility resources below.

Spring/Summer 2018

Google Home smart speaker in gray/white colors.

Smart Speakers

Alexa, Google, and Siri are the virtual assistants that make life easier for everyone, especially people with vision loss.

Read the original article or download the handout.

The Many Voices of iPhone

Make the iPhone easier on your eyes using VoiceOver & Speak Screen for text to speech, Dictation to replace typing for speech text, and Siri for voice commands.

Read the original articles:
Accessible TV

Explore the options available for audible TV guides and menus, audio describing programming, and the use of voice commands from cable providers and streaming services.

Read the event recap.

Fall / Winter 2018

Black headphones against a bright yellow background.

Audio Description

Now available on-demand for Broadway shows, museum tours, at the movies, on TV and much more. Explore how this visual voice fills in the missing detail, vividly.

Read the event recap.

Electronic Glasses

Take a closer look at wearable assistive devices, including IrisVision, OrCam, Jordy, eSight, Acesight and Aira, designed to help you see, read, work and navigate with vision loss.

Read the event recap.

App Happy

The apps we love continue to improve and empower us to function better every day. Learn what’s new in our favorite apps and what’s coming up.

Read the event recap.

OE Patients Features Assistive Technology At Empowering Event For People With Vision Loss

In October 2018, we held an accessibility event featuring smart wearables for people with vision loss. Read about featured electronic glasses, the importance of persistence as a mindset, and the idea of finding a solution that fits your personal needs.

Read the press release.

Don’t Miss 2019 Events

Graphic of OE Patients website displayed on desktop and iPhone.

If you’re not already subscribed to expert tips and news from OE Patients, we encourage you to sign up. You’ll receive a welcome email, a monthly roundup of our best articles, and notifications for our future events. Already on our list? Forward to a friend, family member, or colleague!

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December 14, 2018
5/17 The Many Voices of iPhone

Join Us May 17, 2018 At MEETH

Learn how to make the iPhone easier on your eyes using VoiceOver & Speak Screen for text to speech, Dictation to replace typing for speech text, and Siri for voice commands.

Accessibility Resources for People with Visual Impairments

Presenter:

Dorrie Rush

OphthalmicEdge.org Patients

WHEN:

Thursday, May 17, 2018

3 to 4 pm

WHERE:

Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital

The Great Hall

1st Floor

210 East 64 Street

(between Third and Second Ave.)

New York, NY 10065

Please RSVP as seating is limited:

Phone: (212) 702-7760

Online: meethaccessibility.eventbrite.com

Event Flyer:

[easy_media_download url=”https://oepatientsbu.xyz/2025/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Accessibility-Center-Info-session-May_17-v1a.pdf” target=”_blank” class=”directpdf” text=”Download PDF”]

iPhone Dictation Handout:

[easy_media_download url=”https://oepatientsbu.xyz/2025/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Accessibility-Center-Info-session-May_17-HANDOUT-1.pdf” target=”_blank” class=”directpdf” text=”Download PDF”]

iPhone VoiceOver Gestures Handout:

[easy_media_download url=”https://oepatientsbu.xyz/2025/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Accessibility-Center-Info-session-May_17-HANDOUT-2.pdf” target=”_blank” class=”directpdf” text=”Download PDF”]

Save the date for our next session:

June 21, 2018, 3 to 4 pm

Accessible TV

Hosted by the Department of Ophthalmology

Supported by Association for Macular Diseases, Inc.

April 18, 2018