Cell Phones and Tablets
What’s Available?
Apple
Cell phones and tablets, just like computers, have different operating systems. From the beginning, 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.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 salespeople: 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 salespeople 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

- ATT has a Disability and Aging Call Center to assist customers.
- Verizon also has an Accessibility Center.