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2012-05-17 16:00

FAQ

iPhone FAQ

  1. Can a totally blind individual really use the iPhone 3GS?
  2. How does one access the iPHOne 3GS without sight?
  3. Is any additional software necessary, to enable complete access to the iPhone?
  4. Can I Configure the iPhone / VoiceOver without sighted assistance?
  5. Will I need to use iTunes each time I want to use VoiceOver on my iPhone?
  6. Does the iPhone 3GS have a sim card, and can I install it without sighted assistance?
  7. Can I buy and run apps from the AppStore?

Question: Can a totally blind individual really use the iPhone 3GS?

Answer:

Yes. Apple has provided full access to the iPhone 3GS and all its built-in applications via VoiceOver, including email, web browsing, text messaging, managing contacts, GPS, compass, voicemail, telephone functions, and lots more. A huge number of third-party applications, available through the iPhone AppStore, are also compatible with VoiceOver.

Question: How does one access the iPHOne 3GS without sight?

Answer:

The Apple IPhone 3GS includes VoiceOver; a screen reader that allows a blind or visually impaired user to navigate and work with the IPhone’s touch screen using a simple and intuitive set of gestures. This way, a user can independently interact with the IPhone and its applications without needing to see the screen.

Question: Is any additional software necessary, to enable complete access to the iPhone?

Answer:

No. All of the access solutions one needs, in order to independently work with the IPHone, come pre-installed, as they are part of the operating system of every iPhone. I.E. If you’d like to use a friend’s iPhone, you may do just that, once VoiceOver is turned on on your friend’s iPhone.

Question: Can I Configure the iPhone / VoiceOver without sighted assistance?

Answer:

One can use iTunes on the Mac or PC to set up the iPhone and start VoiceOver. Once VoiceOver is started, a blind / visually impaired user can then enjoy complete access to the IPHone and its features, including further configuring VoiceOver itself as well as all of the iPhone’s settings.
Alternatively, a sighted user can enable VoiceOver directly on the iPhone itself without the need for iTunes. Once done, the same is true. The blind / visually impaired user will then have complete access to the iPhone, as if they enabled VoiceOver in iTunes, themselves.

Question: Will I need to use iTunes each time I want to use VoiceOver on my iPhone?

Answer:

No. Once VoiceOver is set up, and running, it will then begin automatically, each time the iPhone is turned on or restarted.

Question: Does the iPhone 3GS have a sim card, and can I install it without sighted assistance?

Answer:

The iPhone 3GS uses a standard sim card for GSM phones. Yes, a blind / visually impaired user can install or remove the IPHone’s sim card independently.

Question: Can I buy and run apps from the AppStore?

Answer:

Yes, a great many apps in the app store are currently accessible to VoiceOver users on the iPhone 3GS. Whether one would like to purchase an app directly from the IPHone itself, or through ITunes on the Mac or PC, not only is the purchase process accessible, but the installation process is as well.
For the most current list of accessible apps please visit our accessible apps list.