Vision enhancement technology is changing at a rapid pace. With this in mind, the information in this document will be updated as often as possible.

Out of the Box Technology

Smart phones and tablets are helping people with vision loss do many things that in the past had to be done with more costly, stand-alone assistive devices.

iPhone® and iPad®

IPhones and IPads are currently the best devices available for people with reduced vision or who are blind. This is because both devices have built in accessibility options including VoiceOver, a screen reader that lets a person know auditorally what is happening on their multi-touch screen and helps the person navigate the screen even if they have no vision. Additionally, the IPhone and IPad have Siri for voice commands.

VoiceOver and a number of other accessibility options on the IPhone and IPad can be activated by going to Settings, next General followed by Accessibility. In Accessibility, you will find a variety of vision enhancing as well as speech options.

With VoiceOver on the IPhone and IPad, you can run your finger over the screen and the phone will name the app you are touching.

Android

Accessibility options for Android devices is also built into their operating system.

Apps for Smart Phones and Tablets

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For Apple Products

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For Android Devices

Music

Music Zoom is an IPad app specifically designed for musicians who are visually impaired. It allows the musician to view their music with as much magnification as they need. And, using a wireless foot switch, they can advance through their music while keeping both hands on their instrument.

Simple menus with large fonts and high contrast controls allow the musician to customize the appearance of their music to best suit their needs. They can adjust the magnification to make the music as big as they want/need it. If white on black contrast is easier to see, tapping the “invert colors” button will switch to reversed contrast. The scrolling speed of the music and working distance can be matched to each musicians’ preferences and the demands of the piece.

A wide variety of IPad mounts exist, allowing the musician to attach their IPad to a standard microphone boom stand if desired. This will enable the musician to position their IPad at a comfortable viewing distance, while not obstructing their instrument.
For more information, visit www.MusicZoomApp.com.

Training and Support

Applevis at www.applevis.com is the Apple community-powered website for user’s who are blind or visually impaired using Apple's range of Mac computers, the IPhones, IPad, IPod Touch, Apple TV and Apple Watch.

Video support for a variety of products, including:

• iPhone/iPad/Apple watch/Apple TV
• Android phones
• Mac computers
• Microsoft Windows/Office

Can be found at https://hadley.edu/InstructionalVideos/

Also available from Hadley are videos on several subjects, including:

• Simple home adjustments
• Marking and labeling
• Cooking and kitchen
• Getting around
• Adjusting to low vision
• Personal care
• Health and wellness
• Recreation

To access the Hadley website, scan the QR code below, or visit hadleyhelps.org.