Tag: iPhone accessibility

Q&A Update

At OE Patients, we are always fielding questions related to vision loss. While we do our very best to answer each individual one, we realize the questions received, and answers provided, are likely to be beneficial to many of our readers. Here is a curated selection.

ADJUSTING

Image shows house icon.

Q: How can we help my, independent 87-year-old, mom with low vision proof her home for safety without sacrificing aesthetics?

A: This is a very good question and one we’re delighted to have excellent answers for.

Adjusting Your Home for Vision Loss

Nate’s Low Vision Makeover

Low Vision Awareness: Time to Get Organized

Q: I was informed, at my last eye exam, that I am now legally blind from macular degeneration. The doctor told me to stop driving (which I did long ago) and gave no other advice. What do you suggest I do now?

A: Speak with your physician again and ask for referral to a low vision specialist and vision rehabilitation services. Be aware there is much you can do, on your own, to live better with vision loss. Read: OE Agrees with AAO Advice, and listen to the OE Patients Podcast, Episode 4: Must Know Info for Adjusting to Low Vision.

HEALTH

Image shows woman smelling flowers.

Q: I have recently been diagnosed with early dry macular degeneration. Both my ophthalmologist and the retina specialist I consulted pulled some AREDS 2 vitamins out of a drawer and said “take these.” I have been researching and finding out that these vitamins are recommended for intermediate MD to prevent it from advancing. But what is a patient who has early supposed to do? No one seems to be able to give me a definitive answer. Please let me know where I can read about the effects of the vitamins for patients with early macular degeneration. Thank you.

A: Although these supplements are often suggested to early stage AMD patients, the studies show no proof of effect in the early phase of AMD. Based on that result the National Eye Institute expressly recommends AREDS vitamins for patients with moderate to advanced disease.

Here is a link to the published AREDS study information from NEI:

https://www.nei.nih.gov/research/clinical-trials/age-related-eye-disease-studies-aredsareds2/about-areds-and-areds2

Q: Following a cataract operation on my second eye, for two weeks I’ve been unable to read without my glasses, but vision is improving. How can I protect my eyes and keep them healthy?

A: Thanks for getting in touch. To protect your eyes, here are 5 Sight-Saving Habits To Start Today.

Q: I am a 51-year-old female diagnosed with early stage dry macular degeneration. I am concerned about visual deterioration over time as it is incurable and progressive. I am afraid and in search of something I can do to help minimize the loss of sight.

A: A diagnosis involving progressive vision loss is frightening, but we know people with dry macular degeneration generally can do well and adjust to the very slow progression over time. The result is impaired central vision, not blindness, and you can do your best to slow that progression by protecting your eyes from the sun and eating a healthy diet rich in whole foods, leafy greens, citrus and omega 3. Making small changes along the way will keep you doing all you need to do and love to do. Technology today accommodates every level of visual impairment. More detail about living with macular degeneration in these articles on OE.

And on the OE Patients Podcast.

ACCESSIBLE TECH

Image shows i-phone.

Q: A low vision specialist showed my dad the OrCam ($4,500.), a wearable device for reading text, identifying faces, colors and products. Dad is hesitant to buy another piece of high priced low vision technology that probably won’t meet his expectations. What is your advice? Are there any lower cost alternatives?

A: Low vision devices are highly specific to the individual and must be tried in the context of daily life. Ask if there is a trial period, loaner program and reasonable return policy. To be of value, these devices must enhance life every day, not just occasionally. If it does not meet expectations, return it for a refund.

The functionality of OrCam is also available in free smartphone apps. Seeing Ai for iPhone was developed by Microsoft and Google’s Lookout for Android. Both are popular accessibility apps for smartphone users with vision loss.

Q: I recently switched to an iPhone for the low vision accessibility and I’m very happy I did. I’m getting accustomed to it, but find I tend to quickly forget the steps involved in using features new to me. How can I do this with more success?

A: It is very easy to forget steps you’ve taken just once or twice. Committing a process to memory, or memorizing the steps, takes repetition, 10 or 20 times. That is why the things we do every day become embedded in our muscle memory. When you don’t know, or have forgotten, no worries, just phone and get help from Apple’s Accessibility Support at 877-204-3930, they’re available 24/7. Here are more tips for Learning at Any Age with Vision Loss.

Q: I need a new iPhone but am not feeling good about an upgrade to a model with no home button.

A: Many people had this concern, but it turned out to be a relatively easy transition. Just a few new screen swipes that will become natural in the first few hours. Adjusting to iPhone X & 11

Q: Can you offer any tips to increase accuracy in Speech to Text or Dictation, as I often find that the text that is transcribed is very different from what I said.

A: Enunciate clearly. Speak punctuation, symbols, new lines, etc. Always best with minimal ambient noise. Dictate one sentence at a time for easier correction of error. Practice definitely improves ability. More on OE: Are You A Dictator?

Q: Hello, I want to find a mobile phone with the most up-to-date technology for vision loss. Does anyone have any suggestions? Also, are there any seminars to help those with vision loss to use smartphones? Thanks!

A: The iPhone has the best accessibility features for vision and is by far the most popular mobile phone used by people with vision loss. Linked below are some of our articles on the subject. There are regular workshops at Apple Stores and other options depending on where you are. Check local libraries, senior centers and vision rehab agencies. Also HadleyHelps.org has a wonderful series of video tutorials for iPhone, some are linked to the articles we’ve published.

iPhone Accessibility Articles on OE

More questions? Don’t hesitate to ask. Email us at [email protected].

June 9, 2022
Take the VoiceOver Challenge
For people who are visually impaired, learning to use the iPhone’s gesture based screen reader, VoiceOver (VO), is challenging, to say the least. While working on a series of VO training tutorials, I was reminded how steep the learning curve for this iPhone accessibility feature is. It will test your metal, for sure, but don’t be deterred by the difficulty, millions have learned to use the iOS screen reader with fluency, including me. It can be maddening and the urge to resist will recur. I managed to learn, and to even teach others, so I can promise all beginners, the gain will well outweigh the pain. Stick with it, don’t give up!

The size of a smartphone screen necessitates a screen reader for a much wider audience than a larger screen computer or tablet. Although it may be initially a disquieting experience, the learning process is far less displeasing than not being able to navigate a smartphone at all. Having said that, I congratulate all users of VO on iPhone, and TalkBack on Android, for successfully flattening the curve. These are skills that continue to develop and enrich our lives ongoing. Accessibility and inclusion are empowering. And let us not forget, every smartphone comes with many more low vision and blindness aids, in built-in features and apps, which are frankly, priceless.

Although it is no piece of cake, the process of learning to navigate a touch screen with a unique set of gestures, absorbing the information with your ears, more than your eyes, will ultimately give back much more than it takes. Remember learning keeps your mind young, particularly complex activities that require practice for proficiency.

Image shows woman at work using iPhone with voiceOver.

A Word About Typing

Typing with VoiceOver on an iPhone keyboard requires practice. Many have mastered it and you will too. Practice typing by sending yourself text messages or emails. The default typing mode in VoiceOver is Standard Typing, which requires a double tap on each key, and it is the perfect practice mode. Put in the time and soon you’ll be advancing to Touch Typing, which requires only a single tap on each key. Siri and Dictation can circumvent, but not totally replace, the need for typing.

4 Stages of the Learning Curve

Understanding the stages of a learning curve can also fuel the belief that you will succeed, and this applies to all learning, particularly technology.
- Unconscious Incompetence
You don’t know what you don’t know.
- Conscious Incompetence
You know what you don’t know and begin learning.
- Conscious Competence
You’re learning but painfully aware of every step.
- Unconscious Competence
You have practiced to proficiency, the skills are now second nature.

Go forth and conquer!
October 15, 2021
Using the iPhone Magnifier
You don’t necessarily have to be of a certain age, or have a serious visual impairment, to benefit from the Magnifier built into the iPhone. This is one of the accessibility features that is truly universal. It’s in your phone, which is in your pocket, or in your hand and always ready to help you get a closer look. It’s there for you whether you need to blow-up the fine print, or you want to make large text even larger.

Before the magnifier was added to Apple Accessibility Settings, it was only available in third-party apps, most with a low degree of clarity. The issue was the quality of the cameras in the phones not being sufficient to produce a clear magnified image. With each new generation of hardware, the camera has improved. It’s easy to see now, the iPhone’s magnifier is better than ever and you have the option to stick with the basics or explore the features that accommodate every visual need.

Accessing the Magnifier

To turn on the Magnifier go to Settings > General > Accessibility > Magnifier. Once clicked on in Settings, Magnifier can be launched with a triple click that brings up the Accessibility Shortcuts or just ask Siri to “Open Magnifier.”

Image shows iOS Magnifier screenshot with control settings

Magnifier Controls
- Increase the screen size by hiding the feature controls, tap twice and they disappear, twice again and they reappear
- Magnification is increased or decreased by moving the slider button or simply moving a finger up or down on the screen
- Color filter options are revealed with a tap and expanded when you slide a finger across filters, tap to select a filter, tap to close
- Contrast level is adjusted with a tap to expand slider, move slider button to increase or decrease, tap again to close
- Brightness level is adjusted with a tap to expand slider, move slider button to increase or decrease, tap again to close
- Flashlight for added light, tap to turn on, tap to turn off
- Settings allow you to customize Magnifier controls, tap to re-order or hide controls, tap Done to save and close
- Freeze Frame with a top on the button, zoom in with pinch
- Apple Accessibility Support: 877-204-3930 is available 24/7 for expert assistance
Getting used to this magnifier is, like everything, all about adjusting. It’s worth the effort, because the more you use it, the better you’ll get. It’s incredibly convenient to have a magnifier always available in your phone, and it’s also in iPad and iPod Touch.

Watch the iOS Magnifier tutorials video from Hadley…here.

This post was originally published on Apr 5, 2019 and updated Sep 22, 2021.
September 23, 2021
Switching To iPhone? Here’s A Guide
We are often asked for guidance on buying an iPhone for the first time. The initial move from a feature or flip phone, or from an Android phone to an iPhone requires personalized setup, and a mix of patience and practice to adjust. The reason for switching, in this case, is the advanced accessibility iPhone offers for people with visual impairments or blindness.

The real initial setup of an iPhone only has to happen once. Next time you upgrade your iPhone, the data, apps and settings will transfer from iCloud and fill the new phone with all your stuff. This way it’s totally familiar and there’s no need to start the whole process over again with each new model.

People browsing in an Apple Store.

At The Apple Store:

What You Need to Know

The Apple Store is the best place to buy the iPhone and get it set up. It is not always so easy to get your phone set up at a mobile retail store, especially when it involves accessibility. At the Apple Store, there is a process for “Personal Setup,” and they know this phone intimately.
- iPhone model: Newer models are always best for the long term. The best model for you may be dependent on screen size. Try them in the store, ask your sales specialist to show you larger text and contrast settings to determine whether they enhance your ability to read.
- iPhone storage size: The phones come in different storage sizes. For new users, the smallest, which is now 64GB, should suffice. If you are planning to access a large photo or music library, you may want to consider more space.
- VoiceOver: For those of us unable to read the screen comfortably in any text or screen size, option 2 is learning to use VoiceOver, iPhone’s full-function screen reader. This does add to the learning curve, but totally worth the work! More on this from OE: Let iPhone’s VoiceOver Do The Reading
- Apple Care Plus: Consider Apple Care Plus for extended warranty and replacement. This can be a good thing to have, just in case.
- Apple ID and iCloud: If you already have an Apple ID and iCloud account, be prepared to provide the username and password. If not, they will be created at setup. (To lessen any potential confusion, always best to make the Apple ID and iCloud accounts the same username & password.)
- Email password: Your email address and password are also required to set the Mail app, don’t forget.
At Personal Setup:

What You Need To Do
- Set larger text, bold text, display accommodations, increase contrast (as needed)
- Transfer Contacts from previous phone (if possible)
- Set A Passcode Lock and Face ID (or don’t, it’s easier without)
- Set Auto-Lock for 5 minutes so the screen doesn’t keep locking as you are learning
- Set up “Hey Siri”
- Turn on Dictation
- Set up your email
- Make a few calls right away from the Apple Store so you know how to use the phone, then go right home and practice making calls, answering calls, ending calls
- Turn on VoiceOver or Speak Screen (if needed)
- Once the VO setting is turned on, VO can be turned on/off by asking Siri
Learning:

Here Are The Keys

The key to success is repetition. So keep in mind, if you repeat an action 25 – 30 times, it gets committed to muscle memory, and then you just begin doing it automatically. This is not a matter of technical ability, it’s simply perseverance. Everyone, regardless of visual acuity, experiences the learning curve.

For VoiceOver users, the curve is a bit steeper, but (take it from one who knows) the conquest is even sweeter! You’ll need to begin practicing the VoiceOver gestures that navigate the screen. Again, it’s all about practice, the more you touch the screen the better you become. For your reference, here’s the list of VoiceOver Gestures.

Apple Accessibility Support Phone Line: (877-204-3930) is an invaluable learning tool. A dedicated line for customers with visual, hearing, motor and learning impairments, available 24/7. Not only will they answer your questions and resolve your issues, they will also provide tutorials on the use of apps. Don’t be shy, they want to hear from you. If you’re stuck…call them. If you want to learn something new…call them. There’s no limit.

Get your learning started with these topics…
- Get familiar with Phone app: Recent calls, Contacts, Voice Mail
- Use Siri to make a call by name or phone number
- Learn to save phone numbers and emails to Contacts
- Find the ways Siri can work best for you…here are 10 Things Siri Will Do If You Ask
- Learn to send text messages
- Learn to send, and reply to, email
- Learn to use the Dictate key instead of typing… Are You A Dictator?
Practice is a must – put in an hour a day getting comfortable.

Once you’re phoning, emailing and texting with confidence, you’re ready to move on and master more apps of your choosing. The apps you use every day will become ingrained and after a while, you won’t even have to think about it.

A virtual and comprehensive catalog of iPhone courses is available at HadleyHelps.org and it’s as good as one-to-one training. They offer live expert help and phone support too, all fee-free….Meet Hadley 2.0, Your Personal Tutor.

This article was originally published Nov. 8, 2018, and updated Mar. 18, 2021.

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.
March 18, 2021
App Happy

Apps are empowering people with visual impairments in ways we could only once dream. There are apps that can read text on the go, identify people and products, turn cameras into magnifiers, summon live help, and light the way.

Here are some apps you should know about. All are available for iPhone on the App Store and may be available for Android or Windows as well. Apps are free unless specified.

Seeing AI

Seeing AI app.

Reads Short Text, Documents, Products, People & Scenes

A magnanimous gesture from Microsoft exclusively to iPhone users. This is actually five apps in one, and it’s free!

The Short Text channel is the grand prize, point the camera and it reads signs, price tags, labels, addresses, and more. No snapping photos or waiting to process, just point and it reads instantly on the go. This app reads documents and product barcodes with VoiceOver. It can identify people using facial recognition which does not seem all that practical, but it is fun. And try the Scene channel to get a description of the environment you are in. To learn more about Seeing AI, read our full article.

So far, everyone agrees, this is an amazing app. Enjoy it, and remember, it’s a work in progress, just like the rest of us. Help Microsoft keep making it better by sending your feedback to [email protected].

Click here to download the iPhone app.

KNFB Reader $99

KNFB Reader app.

High-Quality text to speech OCR (Optical Character Recognition)

This app seemed totally worth the price, until a moment ago when Seeing AI became available, with its free document reader. There are some noteworthy differences. KNFB does not require a connection to the Internet to process; Seeing AI does. KNFB has its own reader; Seeing AI depends on VoiceOver.

You will find that KNFB Reader is faster, as recognition is performed on your device rather than uploading it to the cloud. Keeping the processing on your device provides better security. KNFB can be set to read text in columns and tables; Seeing AI cannot. KNFB batch mode copies and saves multi-page documents; Seeing AI does not.

In recent updates, you can make calls, send emails, and open links directly from documents. You can even contact someone from a business card. To learn more about KNFB Reader, read our full article.

For questions or to send feedback, contact: [email protected].

Click to download the iPhone app or to download the Android App.

Be My Eyes

Be My Eyes app.

Access Live Help

This app boasts an impressive 1 million sighted volunteers on call to assist its 80 thousand visually impaired and blind users in more than 180 countries. Tapping on the main page to “Call First Available Volunteer” will establish a live video connection enabling the volunteer to read or describe what your camera is pointed at.

If you need help with an appliance, an electronic device, distinguishing items, or reading instructions, these volunteers are ready and able. No need to worry about being a pest, call as often as you need. The wait for a volunteer is estimated at 30 seconds, and that’s pretty hard to beat!

Click to download the iPhone app or to download the Android App.

Brighter and Bigger

Brighter and Bigger app.

Video Magnifier

Just as the name says, this video magnifying app gets up to 20x bigger, with options for brightness, reverse, clearer and freeze. This makes the app perfect for reading fine print and bringing objects into sharper view. The “Brightness Reverse” and “Monochrome” modes are especially ideal for people living with cataracts and low vision.

Thanks to the vast improvements in mobile cameras, these magnifying apps are as good as the portable versions we once had to pay big bucks for. Opens with Siri command.

Click to download the iPhone app or to download the Android App.

iLights

iLights app.

Digital Flashlight

Adjustable light and blinking strobe can be conveniently turned on by asking Siri. Now you know where the flashlight is when you need it.

Click here to download the iPhone app.

BARD Mobile

BARD Mobile app.

National Library Service Talking Books (888.657.7323)

If you are registered for the National Library Services Talking Books program, consider going mobile. It takes a bit of time to set it up and requires patience as you learn to navigate this, sometimes cumbersome, app, but book lovers with visual impairments absolutely love the totally free access to audiobooks. To learn more about NLS, read our full article.

Click to download the iPhone app or to download the Android App.

Voice Memos

Voice Memos app.

Digital Recorder

Always good to have a digital recorder on hand. We used to spend hundreds to have one in our pocket, now it’s sitting right in our phone for free. High-quality recording, 3 button interface. Trim, save, and share options.

App comes with your iPhone.

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 November 17, 2017 and updated on August 3, 2018.

August 3, 2018
11/09 Top Apps Made For Accessibility

Join Us Nov. 9, 2017 At MEETH

Apps are empowering people with visual impairments in ways we could once only dream of. They read text on the go, identify people, products, places, turn cameras into magnifiers, summon live help, and light the way.

Accessibility Resources for People with Visual Impairments

Presenter:

Dorrie Rush

OphthalmicEdge.org Patients

WHEN:

Thursday, November 9, 2017

2:30 to 3:30 pm

WHERE:

Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital

Corwin Hall

2nd 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/2017/10/Nov-9-MEETH-Accessibility-Center-Info-session-3-v1.pdf” target=”_blank” class=”directpdf” text=”Download PDF”]

Top 5 Apps Handout:

[easy_media_download url=”https://oepatientsbu.xyz/2025/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Apps-Handout-Nov.-9-MEETH.pdf” target=”_blank” class=”directpdf” text=”Download PDF”]

Save the date for our next session:

April 19, 2018, 3 to 4 pm

Smart Speakers!

Hosted by the Department of Ophthalmology

Supported by Association for Macular Diseases, Inc.

October 19, 2017
10/12 What Siri Can Do For You

Join Us Oct.12, 2017 At MEETH

Siri, Apple’s “intelligent personal assistant”, can be an empowering tool to help you maximize functionality in your iPhone and/or iPad. Please join us in learning easy tips to benefit from this life-changing technology!

Accessibility Resources for People with Visual Impairments

Presenter:

Dorrie Rush

OphthalmicEdge.org Patients

WHEN:

Thursday, October 12, 2018

2:30 to 3:30 pm

WHERE:

Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital

Corwin Hall

2nd Floor

210 East 64 Street

(between Third and Second Ave.)

New York, NY 10065

Event Flyer:

[easy_media_download url=”https://oepatientsbu.xyz/2025/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/10-12-MEETH-Siri-Event.pdf” target=”_blank” class=”directpdf” text=”Download PDF”]

Save the date for our next session:

November 9, 2017, 2:30 to 3:30 pm

Top 5 Accessibility Apps!

Hosted by the Department of Ophthalmology

Supported by Association for Macular Diseases, Inc.

September 21, 2017
9/14 iPhone, iPad, and Kindle Accessibility Settings

Join Us Sept. 14, 2017 At MEETH

Please join us for an exciting informational session to learn about accessibility settings in your iPhone, iPad, and Kindle!

Accessibility Resources for People with Visual Impairments

Presenter:

Dorrie Rush

OphthalmicEdge.org Patients

WHEN:

Thursday, September 14, 2017

4:30 to 6 pm

WHERE:

Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital

Corwin Hall

2nd Floor

210 East 64 Street

(between Third and Second Ave.)

New York, NY 10065

Event Flyer:

[easy_media_download url=”https://oepatientsbu.xyz/2025/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Accessibility-Center-Info-session-v2e.pdf” target=”_blank” class=”directpdf” text=”Download PDF”]

Apple iOS Handout:

[easy_media_download url=”https://oepatientsbu.xyz/2025/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/9-14-MEETH-Apple-iOS-Handout-FINAL-.pdf” target=”_blank” class=”directpdf” text=”Download PDF”]

Kindle Accessiblity Handout:

[easy_media_download url=”https://oepatientsbu.xyz/2025/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/9-14-MEETH-Kindle-Accessibility-Handout-FINAL.pdf” target=”_blank” class=”directpdf” text=”Download PDF”]

Save the date for our next session:

October 12, 2018, 3 to 4 pm

Ten Things Siri Will Do If You Ask

Hosted by the Department of Ophthalmology

Supported by Association for Macular Diseases, Inc.

August 24, 2017