Unfortunately, the best bet for a blind person today is the iPhone. While android has improved by leaps and bounds from where it was a few years ago, it's still only maybe half as good as Apple. If she's really set on having buttons, maybe look at the $1. It's a device that pairs with an iPhone to offer real buttons.

It has to be an iPhone. However, it doesn’t need to be the latest and greatest. You could likely get a great deal on a 5S or a SE which would work great.

Also, get the woman a Amazon Echo or Google Home! She would love it!

The voiceover on android is not user friendly, IMO. At least the android phone she has which is definitely an older one. I appreciate your comments and all the others---I'm an only child and I want to make the best decisions for her!!

Just to update--I found a reasonable priced IPhone for her and I told her that I'm getting it for her. I also told her about Reddit and all the good blind folks that have helped me with their support and comments. She was so shocked that complete blind strangers were offering advice to her! I am so excited for her, this is going to be amazing. In a couple months I hope she will be posting to Reddit herself!!!!!

Iphone all the way. I am blind and heading the technology vertical at a large educateion company and its only because of my iphone.
If you pm me i can add your mother to a WhatsApp group with blind iPhone users from all across the world who can help solve your queries whether big or small.

I'm for sure doing it! Going to check prices today---time to break into the piggy bank! Thank you!

She's wanting an echo too!! I think I'm going to save up and get her an iPhone as a surprise. Probably as others have suggested, one of the older models-they are relatively affordable for someone of my poor stature!! I really am excited to do this for her and would love to be able to receive my moms very first text ever 🤗🤗🤗

As others have said; i'd say go with the IPhone. There's a great website called applevis www.applevis.com thta has tips and tricks on using your first IPhone and it's great. You can demo voiceover at any apple store and I think you'll be able to get accessibility help there too.

You can use an Android if you want those functions, but iPhone is better. Google assistant is what it's called instead of Siri. Just long press the home button to set it up and change it so that it activates when she says "Okay Google" she will be able to make phone calls and texts and everything just by speaking.... why don't you like Voiceover?

I am a die hard android fan but after my mom went blind a few years ago I looked into all the accessibility options on android and was disappointed big time. While I hate itunes and apple devices, I soon found out how much more effort apple is putting into accessibility. "Talk back" is the android version of "blind accessibility" and due to wildly varying app design and varying layouts its very difficult to use as a blind person. Apple however has required app developers to follow a stricter layout guideline which results in more consistent apps. Once you get to know voice over its possible to use many many different apps on Apple. Unfortunately she will have to use a touch screen, there isn't really a way around that in 2018, but after practicing it you may be able to get her over the anxiety about it. When in voice over mode you don't need to tap exactly on the icon to select it, you drag your finger over the option and double tap when you hear what you want to select. Siri is also very integrated into calling and texting allowing her to do this:

\>she desperately wants to be able to say to her "device" call so and so, text so and so, what's the weather, etc

I should say she's 63 and has been blind since 17. She's really wanting to dive into any options she may have in terms of technology.

I've never heard of the rivo, I'll check that out for sure. She's only just started dipping her toes into the internet/smartphone world and is hesitant on spending the money on an iPhone. I also think that would be a good fit but I'm looking for something for her to use to acclimate herself into that era. I think honestly, once she gets a feel for what she can do with a phone she will consider an iPhone. I think she's nervous not being able to touch buttons to call someone in an emergency, and it makes me nervous too.