The mobile phone for the blind is designed in Braille. For those who know this alphabet, it is convenient to "read" information, make calls, receive calls and send sms.
But such gadgets are expensive, rarely sold, and not every visually impaired person understands the embossed dotted tactile font. Therefore, it is easier to buy an iOS or Android smartphone and install a voice application.
Touchscreen phone for the blind on Android
If you buy an Android, it is better to take an inexpensive phone. For example, Samsung Galaxy A, G, S or Nokia series. Do not overpay for functionality that will not be used. First, you will have to help the blind person turn on the Talkback program. To do this, go to the "Settings" → "Advanced features" → "Accessibility" menu.
Watch the video how to enable and disable Talkback
Talkback is a default Android application for the blind and suitable for most firmwares. Only on one version of the firmware, each movement on the phone is accompanied by signals, on the other - it is sounded. However, auto-tracking can be changed using the settings.
Talkback turns text into speech or words writes sentences. The program reads all the keys that the user presses. And even reads text in the browser.
How to use a smartphone with Talkback activated
In order for a blind person to unlock a smartphone, he must slide two fingers across the screen.
- They search for labels with their fingers, tracing them across the display. To find what you need, double-click on the place where you groped.
- Then, lifting your finger from the screen, they touch it twice. Or without releasing your finger, press twice with the other at any place on the display.
And then the speaking synthesizer will clearly articulate your actions and tell you what to do.
The phone menu is scrolled with two fingers from bottom to top. You will hear sounds with a changing pitch. This means that the entire list is moved. To “walk” down one point, swipe your finger from top to bottom on the screen. And to return to the desired place, move your finger from bottom to top.
Watch the video instruction on how to use the "talking" phone
"Babushkofon" is also a variant of a mobile phone for the blind. It is equipped with large buttons that, when pressed, are duplicated by voice.
On the back of the panel there is an SOS button for emergency calls. But these phones are only suitable for visually impaired people.
Watch the video life hack how to adapt the "babushkophone" for the blind
Mobile phones for the blind on iOS: 3 apps for the blind
VoiceOver
On the iPhone (Apple), VoiceOver makes life easier for the blind and visually impaired. It is integrated into the built-in iOS applications and is supported in Russian. The program voices everything that happens on the screen. You can hear a description of the charge level, the name of the caller, the name of the application being opened. The speech rate and volume are adjustable.
VoiceOver supports gesture control and recognizes images. Even zooms the screen up to 1500%. Apps will automatically adjust to fit large print.
You can also dictate text on iPhone by tapping the microphone button on your keyboard. Say what you want to write and iPhone converts speech to text and numbers. Now you can easily write a letter, note or website address using your voice.
Siri
The most advanced voice assistant on iOS is Siri. Without lifting a finger, you will be in touch wherever you are. The program supports Russian and Ukrainian languages.
With its help, you can send messages, make and receive calls, configure various functions for people with disabilities. This program is in no way inferior to VoiceOver.
Seeing AI
The free Seeing AI app "scans" everything it sees and describes in words.
- If you point the camera at an object, the program will recognize and tell you what is in front of you in a split second.
- If you catch a person in the frame, Seeing AI will describe in detail whether he is sitting or standing, smiling or frowning, young or old.
- It helps a blind person understand what product he took from the shelf and scans the barcode from the box.
- Recognizes money.
Most of the functions work without an internet connection. But if you need to recognize printed text, you can't do without a network connection. The program will read what you have written and tell you when and in which direction you need to move the camera in order to "read" further.
You can download the application only in the American App Store. The program does not speak Russian or Ukrainian yet.
Note: "Check your phone for viruses: how to find out what Android has eaten g ... belyash"
