Mobile Device Resources for Low Vision and Nonvisual Access

Table of Contents:

• General Information

• Apple Device Accessibility

• Android Device Accessibility

• Accessibility on Other Miscellaneous Devices

The resources provided on this page focus on enhancing accessibility for individuals with low vision or those who rely on non-visual methods to interact with mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets, and other mainstream mobile technologies.

Please note that the effectiveness of the methods and applications referenced may vary based on your device’s manufacturer, model, features, software version, and age. If you encounter significant difficulties, we recommend consulting your device’s user manual or technical specifications.

As mobile technology continues to evolve rapidly, maintaining up-to-date resources is an ongoing challenge. We strive to keep our information current and provide general guidance for a wide range of devices. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, please refer to the official website and support resources of your device’s developer.

Unless otherwise specified, the term iOS will be used to refer to software on the iPhone and iPad. Resources specific each device will be labeled as such. Though there is often little to no difference between using VoiceOver on an iPhone or iPad, there are some key gestures that are different. Additionally, most resources from Apple direct the user to the VoiceOver section of the iPhone or iPad's user guide. Please ensure that the correct iOS version and device are selected.

VoiceOver: YouTube Short Videos and Playlists

• Apple Support Accessibility - YouTube Playlist 

• Apple Support: Blindness and Low Vision Related Videos - YouTube Playlist

• Hadley iFocus Series: YouTube Playlist

• Tech Juggernaut: VoiceOver In and Out - YouTube Playlist

• Vision Forward: Organizing and Optimizing the iPhone Home Screen - YouTube

Resources in this section mainly apply to Android Accessibility Suite, which encompasses all of accessibility options for Android devices. Most resources for non-visual access feature use of TalkBack, but some may mention other text to speech options as well as tips and information.

Also note that some specific features may depend on the brand or manufacturer of your device. Though this is generally true for all mobile device accessibility, it is especially true for devices running Android. For example, features for phones and tablets developed by Google (i.e. the Pixel) or Samsung (i.e. the Galaxy) may differ slightly, even though both are using the Android operating system.

In addition to the Android Accessibility Suite, numerous third-party applications and resources are available to support diverse user needs. The inclusion of any specific app or resource on this webpage is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement over other tools or services that may not be mentioned.

Blindshell Phone Accessibility

• Blindshell Main Page

• The Blind Life: Blindshell Classic 3 - YouTube

• The Blind Life: Blindshell Classic 3 - YouTube

Fire Tablet Accessibility

• Fire Tablet Accessibility Options 

• Activate/Deactivate Fire Tablet Accessibility

• Amazon Tablet Accessibility - YouTube Playlist

Kindle Accessibility

• 6 Ways Kindle Supports Readers with Disabilities

• Accessibility Features on Kindle Tablet

• VoiceView Gestures

• The Verge: Amazon Improves Kindle Accessibility with New Text Spacing Adjustments