Cell Phones, Tablets, and iDevices

What’s Available?
Apple
Cell phones and tablets, just like computers, have different operating systems. Beginning with the iPhone 3GS and the first iPad, Apple built accessibility into their operating system, giving people with vision loss the first off-the-shelf, fully accessible cell phone and tablet. Zoom allows users to enlarge everything on the screen and VoiceOver speaks text aloud on iOS devices. Different gestures are used when Zoom and VoiceOver are turned on, so using the built-in tutorial is advisable. Inverted colors can make the text on the screen easier to read for some, but may distort the appearance of graphics or photos. Large fonts increase the size of the text in a few native apps, but not on every screen. Some apps work better with VoiceOver than others, so before you buy, check out AppleVis, a website for iOS users who are blind or visually impaired, to make sure VoiceOver will work well with those apps that interest you.Android
Accessibility to the Android operating system, especially for people with low vision, has taken a giant leap forward, beginning with Android version 4.2.2. Magnification gestures, adjustable fonts and Android’s screen reading software, Talkback, give low vision and blind users options that enhance the accessibility of a wide variety of devices. The Android operating system requires a savvy technology user, or a very determined novice, but most aspects of the devices are definitely accessible to users with vision loss. The EqualEyes for Android package replaces smartphone apps with versions that are optimized to run with a screen reader. EqualEyes customizes their apps to run with Android’s built-in Talkback screen reader. This means that as you grow more familiar with Talkback and the Android operating system, you can begin to explore stock Android apps, and even third-party apps downloaded from Google Play.Screen Access For Windows
In the latest versions of the Windows phone operating system, the Ease of Access Center has been activated. Magnification and screen reading functions are included, but they are limited to native Windows apps. You cannot leave its walled garden of applications and use your phone’s built in apps or other software downloaded from the Windows store, which makes it difficult to use the smartphone on an equal footing with your sighted co-workers, friends, and family. For now, Windows phones are probably best left to individuals who have to use them for employment. You can read more about running Windows phones and tablets in the Microsoft Windows primer.Other Operating Systems
Historically, Blackberry, Symbian and Windows Mobile based cell phones required users with vision loss to purchase third party software in order to be accessible, and some versions of these operating systems were completely inaccessible. Windows Mobile and Symbian phones are no longer being made, but you may have an older cell phone that still uses one of these operating systems. Code Factory provides software for a variety of cell phones operating on these platforms. They are based in Spain and offer free and trial software that allows you to try before you buy. Code Factory also supports a variety of languages, so if English is not your preference for your talking cell phone, you may find they offer the language you want.At the Store: Look for the Features You Need
If you’re looking for a cell phone, and you have difficulty seeing, the next place to go is your local cell phone retailer. Be upfront with the sales people: Let them know that you have difficulty seeing, and that you are looking for accessibility features that will help you use a cell phone independently. When they show you different models, look for these features that may make it easier for you to use the phone. Understand, however, that not all sales people will be familiar with mobile accessibility.A Larger Screen May Help
Finding a phone with a large screen can be very important, especially if large text helps you read what is on the screen more easily. When inspecting a cell phone model, ask yourself, “Is the screen on this phone big enough for me?” “Can I increase the size of the font, alter the contrast or brightness, and change hard-to-see icons into words?” Have the salesperson change the settings and “play” with it to see if the adjusted settings will work for you on all of the features of the phone you will use.Look for Voice Output and Input
Ask to see phones with voice output capability that will speak information such as caller ID and that will announce numbers as you press the keys. This, in addition to a large screen, can make it easier for you to know who is calling you or to verify you are dialing correctly.Find Easy to See and Feel Keys

For More Information
Check out our Primer on Cell Phones and Tablets. The primer is a comprehensive review of what you need to know about using and choosing a smartphone or tablet.- Why iOS Devices Matter: Considering the Strengths of Apple iOS Devices
- iOS Success: Making the iPad Accessible: A Guide for Teachers and Parents, by Larry L. Lewis (National Braille Press)
- Part II: Success With iOS: Making it Happen!
- Part III Success With iOS: iOS and E-books, An Alternative Means of Reading
- Part IV: Creating, Editing, and Sharing Information