Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Seeking Atlanta-based user to meet and explain blind cellphone technology to my blind grandmother. (self.Blind)
submitted by murraybee
I'm pretty sure this doesn't violate the rules, and I apologize if it does. My grandmother is legally blind and wants to learn how to use a cellphone before she loses all her vision. She sprang for an Android and has been trying to use Google voice activation but it's obviously not working. I came to this sub to find better options and am urging her to buy a used iPhone and download some apps that I can't remember the names of right now, but it's in my original email. She is open to the idea but wants to rely on the Apple genius bar workers to set it up for her and show her how to use it but I'm almost 100% certain they wouldn't be able to. I also don't want her to spend good money on a new iPhone but she feels her best option is to buy a brand new device and get a seeing person to walk her through the set-up of a blind phone. I asked her if I was able to arrange it, whether she'd like to meet with a blind person in Atlanta who already has the appropriate settings and apps, and she was very excited about the prospect. I was hoping I could find someone to meet my grandmother in some public place and show her the ropes. I realize that this is an uncommon request but I think access to a phone would increase my grandma's quality of life enormously and would so appreciate the help. Thanks for reading!
multi-instrumental 3 points 4y ago
If you go to "Settings > Accessibility" and activate "Talkback" it actually gives you instructions on the phone.
I have a few iPhones (latest iOS version) and a few Android phones (Marshmallow) and they all seem to be on very similar levels for navigation.
You then swipe left/right to change which setting you're on, double tap to "select", and double tap + long press to do a "long select".
Make sure to turn off the additional hints under TalkBack settings after you've got it down. It's pretty straightforward.
There's tons of tutorials (both written & video) online on how to use both iOS & Android in screen reader modes.
I have a few iPhones (latest iOS version) and a few Android phones (Marshmallow) and they all seem to be on very similar levels for navigation.
You then swipe left/right to change which setting you're on, double tap to "select", and double tap + long press to do a "long select".
Make sure to turn off the additional hints under TalkBack settings after you've got it down. It's pretty straightforward.
There's tons of tutorials (both written & video) online on how to use both iOS & Android in screen reader modes.
murraybee [OP] 1 points 4y ago
She's an old gal and I'm not there to help her figure it out. I think I could explain all this to my grandpa, but I'm a little confused about the swiping to change settings. Can you turn TalkBack mode on and off on any screen, or just on the settings page?
multi-instrumental 3 points 4y ago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Zpzl4EKCco
Watch that entire video. You can also do a web search for "how to use TalkBack Android" or "TalkBack android gestures" or "Android TalkBack tutorial".
You get the idea. There's a ton of information out there. There's a green "highlight" rectangle that moves around from "clickable" stuff and then the voice reads what the green rectangle is on. You double tap to "press" & double tap and hold for a "long press". It works pretty much in an identical manner to VoiceOver on iOS.
You could argue in the past that iOS had much better low vision / blind support than Android, but I don't think that argument holds all that well in 2018. iOS is certainly a good choice as well.
Hope that helps!
Watch that entire video. You can also do a web search for "how to use TalkBack Android" or "TalkBack android gestures" or "Android TalkBack tutorial".
You get the idea. There's a ton of information out there. There's a green "highlight" rectangle that moves around from "clickable" stuff and then the voice reads what the green rectangle is on. You double tap to "press" & double tap and hold for a "long press". It works pretty much in an identical manner to VoiceOver on iOS.
You could argue in the past that iOS had much better low vision / blind support than Android, but I don't think that argument holds all that well in 2018. iOS is certainly a good choice as well.
Hope that helps!
ENTJ351 1 points 4y ago
I am an apple user and love my iphone to bits and pieces. I do even more now that I’ve found myself good uses to ibooks. I certainly don’t live in Georgia, I almost wish I did for personal reasons but I could help. If somehow I can communicate with your grandmother I would love to guide her through uses of an iphone from set up to being a pro at it. If there was a way. Maybe skype on the computer?
Apple can help though actually. I’ve first learnt my tiny bit at apple. They don’t have great knowledge on voiceover, but can get anyone started. They will set it up, turn on voiceover, explain the very basics, have you go through the steps of the tutorial, and probably practice these in real time pragmatic uses. It is enough to get you started with basic stuff. There is always someone there who is at least a bit more knowledgeable with voice over. How much depends on the store and person. At my nearest one, I believe the guy is somewhat ambitious, actually inspired by myself, I heard the story. I am speaking about the creatives. He’s the top man there, the creatives at least and knows a good bit about voiceover. Nothing like a blind user but very good to teach a class to get her to a decent level. She’d definitely have to reach out for more support. I am willing to help with this. I’ve explained this to someone actually. A blind person who is my friend who came from windows. He now can work the mac in large part due to myself, praise the Lord. But, yeah. I can help.
But between maybe me, the set up person at apple, and a creative, you’ve got it. There are wonderful sights and resources for information too, and I’d be happy to use it with her and show her around on there.
Apple can help though actually. I’ve first learnt my tiny bit at apple. They don’t have great knowledge on voiceover, but can get anyone started. They will set it up, turn on voiceover, explain the very basics, have you go through the steps of the tutorial, and probably practice these in real time pragmatic uses. It is enough to get you started with basic stuff. There is always someone there who is at least a bit more knowledgeable with voice over. How much depends on the store and person. At my nearest one, I believe the guy is somewhat ambitious, actually inspired by myself, I heard the story. I am speaking about the creatives. He’s the top man there, the creatives at least and knows a good bit about voiceover. Nothing like a blind user but very good to teach a class to get her to a decent level. She’d definitely have to reach out for more support. I am willing to help with this. I’ve explained this to someone actually. A blind person who is my friend who came from windows. He now can work the mac in large part due to myself, praise the Lord. But, yeah. I can help.
But between maybe me, the set up person at apple, and a creative, you’ve got it. There are wonderful sights and resources for information too, and I’d be happy to use it with her and show her around on there.
AllHarlowsEve 1 points 4y ago
Apple employees, employees of her phone company, ie verizon, or employees at her state comission for the blind, whatever Georgia's is called, should be able to help her.
As far as iPhones, I know Wish has had them on sale lately, and if you know what company she has, you can pick one up for significantly cheaper than retail price.
As far as iPhones, I know Wish has had them on sale lately, and if you know what company she has, you can pick one up for significantly cheaper than retail price.
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