iDevices from Apple

In November of 2009, I purchased my first iPod Touch 64GB. I liked the idea of having a built-in screen reader, PDA functionality, as well as a music and audio book player. I am now using the iPhone SE 2nd Generation, also called the SE 2020, daily and loving it!

For those who are not familiar with the iDevices, the first accessible iPod Touch was the Third Generation, which came out in late 2009. They were the 32 GB and 64GB models. They have Voice Over built-in, which is the Apple Screen Reader. Most of the apps (short for applications) that come from Apple are quite accessible with Voice Over. The first iPhone with VoiceOver came out earlier that year in June, 2009, but at that time, my attitude was, who needs a cell phone?...I figured out that I did in 2014 with the iPhone 5S.

iOS Gestures and Keyboard Commands

Here are Word files of the VoiceOver gestures and keyboard/braille commands, mostly from the iOS user guide. I've just included the updated Braille Screen Input gestures for iOS 18 for both Braille Entry and the new Command Mode. I added the common braille commands for VoiceOver on the Mac. And I've included the new Voice Control commands list compiled from the early beta and some commands have changed no doubt. Also a short tutorial from Harry Bell that is very helpful.

• BrailleScreenInput-BrailleEntryMode-iOS18.docx, updated November 5, 2024
• BrailleScreenInput-CommandMode-iOS18.docx updated November 5, 2024
• iOSVoiceOver-Gestures.docx updated June 26, 2024
• iOSVoiceOverKeyboardCommands.docx, Updated June 26, 202r
• iOSVoiceOverKeyboardCommandsPlusGestures.docx, Updated June 26, 2024
• Use the VoiceOver rotor from Apple Support.docx
• VoiceOverBrailleCommands.docx on an external braille keyboard, updated February 9, 2024
• VoiceOverBrailleCommands.xlsx on an external braille keyboard updated February 9, 2024
• A New VoiceControlTutorial-by-Harry-Bell.docx for MS Word
• VoiceControlCommandsList.docx from beta
• CommonBrailleCommandsForVoiceOveronYourMac.docx
• Setting up new iPhone with wireless transfer by Alan Lemly

Double Tap Special: The Real Story Of Apple’s VoiceOver - YouTube

December 2, 2024, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece sit down with Mike Shebanek, a key figure behind Apple VoiceOver, to discuss its creation, the role of community feedback, and the evolution of accessibility at Apple. The conversation also explores Mike’s transition to Meta, his work on wearable tech at Be My Eyes, and the future of AI-driven accessibility.

Useful Apps

I used to teach the Apple iDevices at my job as a Rehabilitation Instructor for the Blind. I believe the Apple devices are the best accessible device going right now and I have compiled a list of apps that have been tested with VoiceOver. Below is a link to the list which I hope to keep updated fairly regularly.

Here are some links related to Apple products that you may find helpful:

• AppleVis--provides feedback from users on accessible apps, guides, tutorials
  
• Apple's page on accessibility.
  
• Developer site for making their apps accessible
  
• The web site for the VIPhone users' group list
  The VIPhone list is focused on the iPhone, but there are lots of iPod Touch users and many of the discussions are relevant to the Ipod Touch and the new iPad.
• Apple Braille Group list web site
  The Apple Braille list is the place for discussing and asking questions about braille on Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads and Macs.

Apple Related Books

A man named Michael Fier, has written a book to help someone from the very beginning with no experience with Apple devices, through to a pretty complete understanding of the iOS system and the use of VoiceOver. He has made it available in many formats. You can find the most recent edition of his book on his blog: Michael Fier's blog where you can get the file in Word, ePub, PDF, or RTF formats

The National Braille Press has a page with most, if not all of their technology books in one place. Anything by anna Dresner or Judith Dixon are worth considering in the Apple world. They also have books about Windows etc.

Last updated August 23, 2025