Making the iOS Device Accessible

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Upated May 27, 2024
​iOS devices are wonderful tools for allowing students to access information, music, videos, books and more. iOS devices offer a range of accessibility features to support users with visual impairments or other accessibility needs. Here are some key features and how to enable them:

  • Access Information on the Screen: Adjust display options such as text size, bold text, contrast, transparency, color inversion, and brightness by going to "Settings" > "General" > "Accessibility" > "Display & Text Size."
  • Magnifier: Use the built-in magnifier feature to zoom in on objects. Go to the Apple Support page for details on how to use the magnifier on your iOS device.
  • Zoom: Zoom is a built-in magnifier that works across iOS, allowing you to magnify the screen wherever you are. Enable Zoom by going to "Settings" > "General" > "Accessibility" > "Zoom."
  • VoiceOver: VoiceOver is a gesture-based screen reader that provides audible descriptions of on-screen content. It allows users to navigate the device even if they can't see the screen. Turn on VoiceOver in "Settings" > "General" > "Accessibility" > "VoiceOver."
  • Spoken Content Options: Enable spoken content options to have the device speak selected text or the entire screen. Adjust voices, speaking rate, and other settings in "Settings" > "General" > "Accessibility" > "Spoken Content."
  • Speak Screen: Swipe down from the top of the screen with two fingers to instantly have the content of the page read back to you. Enable this feature in "Settings" > "General" > "Accessibility" > "Spoken Content" > "Speak Screen."
 
Additionally, Apple Accessibility offers comprehensive information on the accessibility features built into Apple products, covering areas such as vision, hearing, physical & motor skills, and learning & literacy. Explore these features in "Settings" > "General" > "Accessibility" on your iOS device, or visit the Apple Accessibility website for more information.
 
The following are some information on input methods and accessibility features available on iOS devices:

  • Basic Multitasking Gestures: Press the home button once to return to the home screen without closing the current app. Swipe up to reveal the multitasking bar (App Switcher). Swipe left or right to switch between open apps.
  • AssistiveTouch: AssistiveTouch allows users to adapt the Multi-Touch screen to their unique physical needs. It enables users to perform gestures with a tap of a finger, create custom gestures, and activate functions like the Home button with an onscreen tap. This feature is particularly helpful for users who have difficulty with certain gestures like pinch or pressing physical buttons.
  • Dictation: Dictation allows users to input text by speaking rather than typing. Simply tap the microphone button on the keyboard, speak your text, and your iOS device will convert your words into text.
  • Siri: Siri is Apple's intelligent assistant that helps users complete various tasks using voice commands. Activate Siri by holding the home button and then ask questions or request assistance. Siri can perform tasks such as sending messages, making phone calls, scheduling meetings, and adjusting accessibility settings like VoiceOver and Invert Colors.
  • Braille Input with Refreshable Braille Display: iOS devices support wireless, refreshable braille displays with braille input keyboards. Users can pair these devices with their iOS devices and use chording commands to navigate and input text.
  • QWERTY Bluetooth Keyboard: An external Bluetooth QWERTY keyboard can be paired with the iPad for typing longer passages. This is a more efficient input method for users who have difficulty using the onscreen keyboard.
 
These features and input methods provide flexibility and accessibility for users with diverse needs, allowing them to interact with their iOS devices more comfortably and effectively.
  • Guided Access. Guided Access helps people with autism or other attention and sensory challenges stay focused on the task (or app) at hand. With Guided Access, a parent, teacher, or therapist can limit an iOS device to stay on one app by disabling the Home button and limit the amount of time spent in an app. You can even restrict access to the keyboard or touch input on certain areas of the screen. So wandering taps and gestures won’t distract from learning.
  • Apple Accessibility offers information on the accessibility features built into Apple products. Areas include vision, hearing, physical & motor skills, and learning & literacy.

ECC Instruction

Teaching Strategies
Compensatory Skills
Concept Development
Alternative Communication
Emergent Literacy
​Access Print
​Access Environmental Print
Pre-Braille 
Braille Code
​​Braille Formatting
​Braillewriter​​Slate & Stylus​​Tactile Graphics​Nemeth Code​Access Classes​Abacus ​Organize​​Study Skills​Time Management​​​​Listening Skills
Assistive Technology
Social Skills
Self Determination
Self Determination Skills
Sensory Efficiency
Sensory Input
​​​Sensory Areas & Rooms​​​Auditory ReadinessVisual Efficiency Skills​Optical Device Instruction​Tactual Efficiency​Tactile Readiness ​
Independent Living
Personal Care
Hygiene & GroomingPersonal HealthHousehold Skills
Shopping & Consumerism
  • Shopping
  • Grocery Stores
  • Grocery Shopping
  • Expiration Dates
Eating & Table MannersClothing IdentificationTelephone
  • Telephone Use
Food PreparationMoney & Budget
  • ​Money & Budget
  • Money Management
  • Receipts​
  • Payment Methods
  • Buying or Packing Lunch
  • Personal Belongings
  • Paying with Checks
  • Interpret a Warranty
  • School Fundraisers
  • Housing Decisions
  • Paying Bills
  • Vending Machine Purchase
Service Agencies
  • Service Agencies
​Safety
  • General Home Safety
  • Emergencies
  • Evacuations
  • Seeking Shelter
  • Accidents & First Aid
  • Internet Safety
  • Safety
  • Using Locks
Orientation & Mobility
Recreation & Leisure
Career & Vocational
Job AwarenessMaintain Job
  • Address Employer Concerns
  • Maintain Employment
  • Following School Rules
  • Work Related Skills
  • Assuming Responsibilities