More information and support sources for blind iPhone and iPad users
Apple's accessibility team
If you need quick, expert help or advice with an accessibility issue, then Apple is there for you.
Call the accessibility team on 0800 0480754 from the UK at any time.
Why not add this number to your contacts now!
Alternatively the accessibility team can be contacted by email at accessibility@apple.com. If you use this route, be sure to give plenty of details, including your device model, the OS version you are using and your country.
Apple User Guides
Apple publish full user guides for iPhone and iPad on the web. They are also available in book form as free downloads from the Apple Books store. The web versions may be more convenient for readers with impaired vision, especially those using VoiceOver.
The web user guides for the latest iOS and iPadOS versions are iPhone user guide on the web and iPad user guide on the web. I find that the web versions of manuals are easier to navigate using VoiceOver than the Apple Books version. Locate the table of contents link by swiping right and then double tap for the contents list. Once you have located the table of contents, navigation is straightforward.
If you want the Apple Books version of the manuals, searching in the Books app for the iPhone and iPad user guides is a little tricky but with persistence you will find the current version. You may get better results by visiting https://support.apple.com/manuals and swipe right past the list of products and, after a few more swipes, you will find links to current user guides in both web and Apple Books forms.
Your iPhone or iPad, using VoiceOver, can read the Apple Books user guides to you. Alternatively, if you're able to read large print, you may be able to set the font size large enough to read. The user guide has full, detailed instructions on using accessibility features. A table of contents button can be found near top left of the screen. The accessibility section is close to the bottom of the table, so I suggest that VoiceOver users scroll down to the bottom of the table by locating the vertical scroll bar at the extreme right of the screen and then swiping down repeatedly to reach 100%. Slide a finger slowly up from near bottom centre screen to find the item at the bottom of the screen and then swipe left to find accessibility. Double tap to move to the accessibility section of the book.
Other resources from Apple
Apple has an accessibility support website that covers all aspects of accessibility on all Apple devices.
Apple Support has produced a brief video on VoiceOver basics that you might find helpful.
Other learning, support and information options you may find useful
You may find the free VOStarter app helpful while learning VoiceOver basics. It talks you through learning and practicing VoiceOver techniques.
The AppleVis website is a rich source of information on accessibility on all Apple devices for blind and low vision users and also has user forums where you can ask questions and offer answers, if you wish. AppleVis also publishes Podcasts which you may find interesting.
If you live in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland, you can apply for Vista's Digital Dynamos service which could put you in touch with someone to help you get started using your Apple or other devices or help you use them more fully. In other areas, local and national organisations may be able to provide assistance.
There are many websites offering instruction on VoiceOver in varying styles which may suit you better than this website. Try some Google searches to learn what's available.
Thomas Pocklington Trust publish an impartial guide to assistive technology.
RNIB has a useful audio guide to the complete set of VoiceOver gestures which was published in 2017; although no longer a complete list, it remains a helpful guide. Please let me know if you spot an updated version.
The Google disability support team may be contacted about issues with Google products, which I assume includes Google apps for iOS. I haven't tested this yet.
I have two mailing lists, one for learners and the other for trainers, to which I send occasional news, hints and tips. If you'd like to be included on one of these lists, please email me at brian.negus@googlemail.com. It isn't an automated system so just please let me know which list you would like to join. If you want to come off a list at any time please just email a brief request.