Features for Blind or Visually Impaired Individuals:

VoiceOver 

VoiceOver is a feature that verbalizes text on the screen of the iPad. The user has the ability to customize this feature with its built-in voices, which offers 36 available languages. Users have the option to adjust the speaking rate of VoiceOver. Voice over uses distinctive sound effects for different actions while using the iPad. Whether an application opens, the screen is updated, a message appears, etc. an alert will occur.

Using VoiceOver:

Using VoiceOver doesn’t require much movement or force. Simply tap the screen to hear a description of the item tapped on and double-tap to activate it. When you flick left and right, the VoiceOver Cursor moves to the next or previous item on the screen. This allows the user to make precise choices from what you hear, even if it’s difficult to place the finger on the item.

Entering Text using VoiceOver:

VoiceOver verbalizes every character as it is touched on the keyboard, it will also echo to confirm your selection. The default setting for VoiceOver is to speak individual characters as you type, however the user can change VoiceOver to speak each completed word instead. Auto-Text is offered, but it is spoken. A Sound effect is heard followed by the suggested work spoken automatically.

VoiceOver works with all built-in applications on the iPad. This includes:

• Safari
• Mail
• App Store
• iTunes
• Music
• Calendar
• Notes

Apple continues to work with application software developers for all iOS devices to make their applications compatible with VoiceOver.

Wireless Braille Displays 

The iPad is compatible with over 30 refreshable braille displays through the connectivity of Bluetooth. No additional software is needed to have the two devices work together. The iPad is also offers braille tables in 25 languages. For a list of compatible displays, refer to:

Apple’s Support for Braille Displays

The user is able to use VoiceOver while reading the material on contracted and non-contracted braille displays. Braille displays with input keys and controls can be used to control the iPad while using VoiceOver. Apple’s support page also offers a list of braille commands for the use of VoiceOver.

Apple’s Support: common braille commands for VoiceOver navigation

 Other Vision Features:

Zoom lets the user magnify the entire screen of any application beyond the built-in zooming of specific elements in many applications.

Invert Colours allows the user to change the display on the iPad to white on black with one click. This option works  in all applications, as well with Zoom and VoiceOver features.

Speak Selection allows the user to take highlighted text and provide formatting options like cut, copy and paste.

The iPad has tactile buttons. With only two (Sleep/Wake button and Home button), easily discernible physical buttons it is easy to navigate the iPad physically.

The iPad has the option to change text sizes for many applications such as Calendar, Contacts, and Messages, as well as alerts. The user can increase font size up to 56-point text.

The user is able to activate audible alerts for mail and calendar events, as well as an audio option for confirming keyboard actions.

Click here for more information on downloadable apps available to make the iPad more accessible for blind/visually impaired students.