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VoiceOver

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
April 10, 2010

VoiceOver is a gesture-based screen reader that allows the user to navigate the iOS device even if you don’t see the screen. It gives audible descriptions of what’s on the screen including the battery level, who is calling, and which app your finger is on. You can adjust the speaking rate and the pitch to personal preference. When VoiceOver is activated and the screen is touched or you drag your finger over it, VoiceOver will speak the name of the icon or text. To interact with or navigate to another item, use VoiceOver gestures.
​
When you go to a new screen, VoiceOver will play a sound, then select and speak the name of the first item on the screen. VoiceOver will also tell you when the display changes to landscape or portrait orientation, when the screen becomes dimmed or locked, and what is active on the lock screen when you wake the iPhone.

Braille displays supported by iOS devices

You can use VoiceOver on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and a Bluetooth enabled braille display to read and navigate. Apple Support provides a list of supported braille displays on their Braille Displays Supported by iOS page. To ensure that your braille display uses the correct table, make sure that you have the latest version of iOS. 

Common braille commands for VoiceOver

When using a braille display with VoiceOver on your iOS device, you will use commands to help you navigate. Apple Support has compiled a list of common braille commands used with VoiceOver. These include navigation, scrolling, rotor, interaction, reading,  editing, control, and braille 8-dot.
​The following is a brief overview:
  • To turn the iPhone on, hold the power button in the top right of the phone for 2 seconds and then release. In about 15 seconds, the unlock screen will appear. VoiceOver will announce the time. If you do not touch the screen within 10 seconds, the screen will lock again. 
  • To unlock the screen after the time is announced, drag 1 finger up from the Home button in the bottom middle of the device. VoiceOver will announce "slide to unlock" and "slide or double tap". Use 1 finger to double tap on the screen to unlock it. When the screen is unlocked, you will be at the Home screen.
  • To navigate the main home screen, drag 1 finger around the screen to hear what is under your finger. To activate the item you wish to use, double tap on it with one finger.
  • To adjust the volume in VoiceOver, use the volume up and down buttons on the left side of the iPhone when the VoiceOver is talking. You can silence VoiceOver any time by using two-finger touch on the screen. 
  • To silence the iPhone, switch the silence switch on the top left edge of the iPhone toward the back of the phone, allowing you to still feel the vibration if the phone rings. 
  • To answer a call, double tap with two fingers on the screen. This action will also end a call. 
  • To place a call, activate the phone app. VoiceOver will announce "blank phone number." Drag 1 finger on the screen until you find the number and then double tap on the number. If the phone has Siri, you can also use Siri to dial a phone number or a contact.
  • To use Siri, hold down the Home button until you hear an ascending double beep. Speak an instruction and Siri will give you a response. To dismiss Siri, press the home button. 
  • To move between screens of apps, use three fingers to flick left or right. You can also return to the home screen at any time by pressing the home button. 
  • To activate an app, use 1 finger to drag around the screen to locate the app. When the desired app is located, double tap on the screen to activate the app. Once in the app, drag 1 finger around the screen to explore the app. To exit the app, press the home button. 
  • To allow a person who doesn't use VoiceOver to use the iPhone, you will need to enable VoiceOver in  Triple Click. When Triple click is activated, press the home button three times to turn VoiceOver on or off. Activate Triple click by going to settings, general, accessibility, Accessibility Shortcut and then selecting VoiceOver. 
  • To mute VoiceOver for privacy, use a 3 finger tap twice on the screen. This will turn VoiceOver speech on or off. This also creates a blank screen so other people will not be able to read or see what is on the screen. ​​

Screen Curtain with VoiceOver

If you use VoiceOver on your device, you may want to add privacy so others are not able to view your screen. Screen Curtain allows you to turn off the display. When Screen Curtain is on, your device will stay active but the screen will be black. Visit Apple's Support page on Using Screen Curtain.

Assistive Technology Forms

Sign up for free membership to access the FREE VI AT forms and references on the Free VIAT Printables page. Simply click on the Log In | Register link in the navigation bar. If you haven't joined yet, you will be prompted to create a password. ​Below are just a few examples of the free VI AT Printables.

Selecting the Right AT for Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired Recorded Presentation

$25.00

Are you overwhelmed by the process of selecting assistive technology for your students? This presentation will encompass the process and steps of selecting the right assistive technology for students who are blind or visually impaired using the SETT framework. Key points covered in this presentation include identification of the current problem; consideration of current skills; understanding unique visual and learning needs; awareness of AT for VI; AT equipment considerations; the process of building a toolkit; instructional strategies; and next steps. 


Objectives:


  • Identify required steps in conducting an AT evaluation for students with visual impairments.
  • Analyze student’s current skills and unique needs to make appropriate AT recommendations
  • Develop strategies for selecting low, mid and high tech Assistive Technology  


Includes:


  • Recorded PowerPoint Show
  • Transcript
  • Presentation handout
  • Printables & Links to Resources discussed in presentation


Request a Certificate of Completion

To receive a certificate of completion for 1 contact hour, complete the short "Selecting the Right AT" quiz on Google Forms and receive a score of at least 80%. Don't worry. If you don't pass, you can re-watch the presentation and retake the test! If you have any accessibility issues with the form, please don't hesitate to let me know and we can make other arrangements.  ​


System Requirements:

Presentations are recorded PowerPoint presentations. You must be able to access PowerPoint to view the PowerPoint presentation. Please note that the presentation pages are closed member pages available to individuals who have purchase access to the presentation. 


*Please contact me if you need to purchase using a purchase order. I am happy to help guide you in the process of adding Teaching Students with Visual Impairments as an approved vendor for your school or program or you can visit the product support page for information on using a PO.
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