I use logic pro (apple software ... But there are tons of audio mixing software available)

And a midi controller ... I use the AKAI mini ... The AKAI comes in different colors, and has both piano keys and drum pads.

Sweetwater is a great company to buy from. They assign each customer a real human specialist that you can contact about gear that they send you. Definitely buy your music making gear from them (not Amazon).

Good luck!

So here's what I know and use.
I'm sure their are other options, but I cannot recommend something I don't use.
A mac with logic pro x is a great starting point. It's mostly accessible, but does have a learning curve. There are resources for blind and visually impaired people, I can direct you to some if you'd like.
Native instruments have implemented accessibility into their s and a series of keyboards using native access.
This allows for some plugins to be accessible, mostly things that are nks ready.
Nothing is perfect though, and logic and plugins are, in my experience, some of the hardest mac programmes to use when you do not know the intricacies of the mac's accessibility options.
So I would recommend learning VoiceOver, the mac screen reader first, then progressing onto logic.
I hope this helps, and if you have any more questions, feel free to send me a pm.

Hi there. Does he have an iphone? If yes, he can download GareageBand and play around with the beat sequencer built in. Personally, I prefer hardware. My drum machine of choice is the Arturia Drum Brute Impact. It's got big buttons with tons of LEDs everywhere. I find it quite accessible, save for setting a precise tempo on the display. It's pretty much the cheapest analogue drum machine that isn't a clone of an 80's synth.

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Edit: Oh yeah, if he's looking for the classic hip-hop/rap sound, then the Roland tr-808 is where they come from. Roland makes the tr-08 which is a modern version, and Behringer makes a clone of the original called the RD8.

Check out drum machines like the Roland TR series - like the TR-08, etc. - various models been around for decades and they have basically all tactile buttons and dials and almost nothing depends on the tiny display. Once you learn what all of the controls do there's no reason you couldn't use it to make beats without being able to see.

Not sure where you live, but stores like Guitar Center will carry this and you could try out a specific model and make sure it's accessible.

I don’t have any recommendation for equipment, but you might find help on the VIBE listserv. I posted this resource a while back. I need to sign up for this list again. If you post your question to the listserv, you’ll probably get some helpful responses.

I’m on an email list called VIBE that is for blind musicians to discuss accessible music gear, software, etc. The list is really active, and they’d probably have a good recommendation for you. I’m going to paste their general info below.

that if you know anybody who you think could benefit from joining this group, could you please paste and forward the below message to them: VIBE is a group of blind and partially sighted musicians and for anyone interested in accessible music, and audio technology with accessibility.

Whether you sing or play for leisure, study or as a profession, in any genre, VIBE will put you in touch with others who can answer questions or suggest solutions, and generally help each other out. We have covered topics including performance, online promotion, tips for playing different instruments, development of a resource network, and access to music and audio software and equipment. We have also started an experiment to collaborate on recording new music. The simplest way to join is via the Email group. We also run monthly Zoom events, and the next one will be presented by André Louis, the accomplished keyboard player and music tech trainer, who will talk about Komplete Kontrol, the accessible way to use software synthesisers, the Logic digital audio workstation (DAW), and Jamulus, which lets musicians play together online without the usual time-lag problems. This will be on Friday 18 December from 11 to 12:30.

To join the Email group and stay informed, send an Email to this address:

vibe-request@freelists.org

In the subject line write: subscribe

See you there.

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I second Logic Pro if a Mac user. If not, Reaper for windows. There’s pretty big communities for both through whatsapp groups. I’ll happily put you in touch if you’d like. :)
I’ve been involved in trying to enhance the accessibility of both the main app for making music but also in plugins. Plugins are things such as virtual instruments or effects. If I can help with anything at all please let me know. Making music is absolutely possible for blind people :)

Here is a program called virtual DJ. It is accessible through screen reader use.
Also Ampify has an app called Launchpad, it is accessible to screen readers, but there is a learning curve with it. If you’re willing to stick with it you can make some beats with it.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/launchpad-dj-with-novation/id584362474
Hope this helps you out a little bit. Looking forward to hear some of his beats soon!

I don’t use them personally, but Reaper and Samplitude, two different music-making programs, are accessible using the JAWS screen-reader on Windows. You can learn more by googling Samplitude Access, or Reaper Jaws Scripts.