Getting Started with Apple iOS Devices like the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch
Compared to many other devices for users who are blind or visually impaired, the operating system used on the Apple iPad, iPhone, iPad Touch and Apple TV, called iOS, is relatively easy, and somewhat intuitive. There is most definitely a learning curve, and more than one student this Vision Rehab Therapist has worked with became quite frustrated at times in the learning process.
The following is a list of links and resources that students or rehab professionals might use during the training process.
Hadley Past Seminars on Accessibility and Technology at http://www.hadley.edu/SeminarListing.asp?tid=1
iFocus Series to date. These are quarterly updates so look for most recent iFocus Series additions in the link above:
iFocus 1: A New Quarterly Series Focusing on Tips and Training for iDevice Users
iFocus 2: Spring Tips and Training for the iDevice User
iFocus 3: Tips on Using the Vision Accessibility Features in iOS
iFocus 4: Tips on Using the Accessbility Features in iOS 7
iFocus 5: Tips on Using the Vision Accessibility Features in iOS 7
iFocus 6: Tips On Using the Vision Accessibility Features in iOS 7
Focus 7: Tips on Using the Vision Accessibility Features in iOS 7
iFocus 8: What’s New in iOS 8?
iFocus 9: Tips for Using the Vision Accessibility Features in iOS
iFocus 10: It’s All About the Watch!
iFocus 11: Tips for Using the Vision Accessibility Features in iOS
The Hadley School also has a great selection of iFocus videos available on YouTube that cover many of the basics with iOS devices. The link to the series of iFocus videos is: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcIupCht58IcZ8m3fS4fScuB8phKEcdSi
Shelly Brisbin has written a digitl book called iOS Access for All, with a focus on the accessibility features of iOS. This book is the most comprehensive guide available and is well worth the $20. Purchase the book from http://www.iosaccessbook.com/buy/ and if you want to read more about the book, please check out the post at http://www.lowvisiontech.com/ios-access-for-all/.
Jonathan Mosen has written iOS 8 Without the Eye, an electronic book available at http://mosen.org/index.php/mosen-consulting-ebook-ios-8-without-the-eye/ for $19.95. Jonathan’s book is not at comprehensive as Brisbin’s, which makes it a quicker read and perhaps a better book for someone who already has the basics down and is looking for a quick guide to some of the tips and shortcuts that will make them a more efficient iOS user.
Voiceover Easy.net http://voiceover-easy.net/ offers great step-by-step lessons on using iPhone or iPad, based on the version of iOS being used. This is a great starting point for some intro lessons.
The AppleVis website at http://www.applevis.com is a great resource for users of Apple products who are blind or visually impaired. Check out the Guides and Podcasts section for great tutorials on iOS and apps. This is an excellent site to search for reviews on apps.
If you are using an Apple product like an iPad or iPhone, and you have a vision impairment that makes using Zoom or VoiceOver your preferred means to access the device, you have access to the free Apple Accessibility Support number at 1-877-204-3930 or on the Apple website at 1-877-204-3930. This writer has called the Accessibility number many times and always found the tech support patient, easy to communicate with, and helpful.