The One iPhone/Android Setting That Made My Phone Usable with My Vision Loss

The One iPhone/Android Setting That Made My Phone Usable with My Vision Loss

From a Blurry Mess to Crystal Clear

As my vision has gotten worse, the small text on my phone became an impossible, blurry mess. I thought I’d have to give it up. My daughter showed me a single setting in the “Accessibility” menu called “Display & Text Size.” We turned on “Bold Text” and used the “Larger Text” slider to increase the font size. Instantly, all the text in my emails, messages, and contacts became big, bold, and perfectly legible. It was like getting a new pair of prescription glasses for my phone and it made all the difference.

How I Use My Smart Speaker to Read Me the News and Books

My ‘Eyes-Free’ Library

My macular degeneration has made reading the morning paper or a good book very difficult. My Amazon Echo has become my new set of eyes. Every morning, I just say, “Alexa, play my news flash,” and it reads me a summary from my favorite news sources. When I want to read a book, I say, “Alexa, read my Audible book,” and it picks up right where I left off in a clear, steady voice. It’s a simple, voice-activated tool that has brought the joy of reading back into my life.

The App That Reads Text Out Loud from a Piece of Paper

My ‘Personal Reading Assistant’

I would get frustrated when I received a letter in the mail or a menu at a restaurant because my low vision made it a struggle to read. I downloaded a free app called “Seeing AI.” I can just open the app, point my phone’s camera at any printed document, and it instantly reads the text out loud to me in a clear, computerized voice. It’s like having a personal reading assistant in my pocket. It has given me back a huge amount of independence in my daily life.

I Use a “Screen Reader” to Navigate My Computer. Here’s How It Works.

Hearing My Way Around the Web

I am legally blind, and I thought my days of using a computer were over. Then I learned about “screen readers,” which are built-in accessibility tools. I use VoiceOver on my Mac. As I move my mouse or use the keyboard, a voice tells me exactly what’s on the screen—”Link: Contact Us,” “Heading Level 2: Our Services.” It reads a webpage to me from top to bottom. It took some practice, but this amazing software has allowed me to continue to use email, read the news, and stay connected to the digital world.

The Best “Big Button” Phone for Seniors Who Hate Smartphones

The ‘Jitterbug’ Solution

My 88-year-old mother needed a new phone but was terrified of a complicated smartphone. We got her a Jitterbug Smart3. It’s a true smartphone, but the home screen is a simple, single list of large icons with big text, like “Phone,” “Messages,” and “Camera.” It even has a dedicated “Urgent Response” button on the screen that connects her to a live emergency operator. It gave her the features she wanted, like a good camera, in a package that was simple, clear, and not at all intimidating.

How My Hearing Aids Connect Directly to My TV

From ‘Too Loud’ to Perfectly Clear

My hearing loss made watching TV with my wife a constant battle over the volume. It was either too loud for her or not clear enough for me. My new hearing aids have Bluetooth. I bought a small “TV Streamer” device that plugs into our television. Now, the sound from the TV streams directly into my hearing aids, perfectly tailored to my specific hearing loss. My wife can keep the main TV volume at a comfortable level for her. It has brought peace and quiet (and clarity) back to our living room.

The “Magnifier” App on My Phone Is Better Than a Physical Magnifying Glass

My ‘Super-Powered’ Pocket Magnifier

I used to carry a bulky magnifying glass with me to read prescription bottle labels and restaurant menus. I discovered that my iPhone has a built-in “Magnifier” app. I can access it by triple-clicking the side button. It uses the phone’s camera to create a powerful digital magnifier. I can zoom in much closer than with my old glass, and the best part is that I can turn on the phone’s flashlight to illuminate whatever I’m reading. It’s a free, built-in tool that is vastly superior.

How to Increase the Text Size on Your Computer, Phone, and Tablet

The ‘Universal Font of Youth’

My eyes aren’t what they used to be, and the tiny text on modern screens was giving me headaches. I learned that every single device I own—my Windows PC, my iPhone, and my Android tablet—has a system-wide setting to increase the text size. In the “Accessibility” or “Display” settings, there is always a “Text Size” or “Scale” option. Increasing this one setting makes everything bigger and easier to read, from my emails to the icons on my desktop. It’s the most important setting for any senior to learn.

The “Live Transcribe” App That Helps Me in Conversations

My ‘Personal Captioner’

I have significant hearing loss, and I struggle to follow conversations, especially in noisy environments. I started using the “Live Transcribe” app from Google on my phone. When I’m talking to someone, I can open the app and it will use the phone’s microphone to listen and provide a real-time, scrolling transcript of what they are saying right on my screen. It’s like having a personal court reporter providing live captions for my life. It has made conversations much less stressful and more engaging for me.

Voice Control: How I Use My Computer and Phone Without Touching Them

My ‘Look, No Hands!’ Command Center

My arthritis has made using a mouse and keyboard painful and difficult. I’ve started using the built-in “Voice Control” accessibility feature on my computer. After a short setup, I can now control everything with my voice. I can say, “Open Mail,” “Scroll down,” or “Click ‘Send’.” I can even dictate entire emails. It has been a life-changing feature that has given me back full access to my digital world, completely hands-free.

The Best TV Listening Devices for the Hearing Impaired

From a Blare to a Whisper

My dad’s hearing is going, and he would blast the TV volume so loud it would shake the house. We got him a pair of wireless TV listening headphones. It’s a simple system: a base station plugs into the TV, and he wears a comfortable, lightweight headset. He can adjust the volume in his headset to be as loud as he needs, while the rest of us can listen at a normal, comfortable level. It has completely eliminated the “volume wars” in our household.

How to Use the “Invert Colors” and “High Contrast” Modes

My ‘Easy on the Eyes’ Screen

I have a visual sensitivity to bright white screens. They give me headaches. I discovered two settings in my phone’s accessibility menu that have been a huge help. “High Contrast Mode” makes text and icons stand out more clearly. But the real game-changer is “Smart Invert Colors.” It turns the white background black and the black text white. This dramatically reduces the glare and makes my screen so much more comfortable to read for long periods.

The BeMyEyes App: How a Volunteer Became My Eyes Through My Phone

Seeing Through a Stranger’s Kindness

As a blind person, I sometimes face simple challenges, like reading the expiration date on a milk carton or telling two cans apart. I use a free app called Be My Eyes. When I need help, I open the app and it starts a live video call with a sighted volunteer from anywhere in the world. I just point my phone’s camera at what I need to see, and the volunteer describes it to me. It’s an incredible app that connects me with a network of kind strangers who can lend me their sight for a moment.

The Best Keyboards with Large Print and High Contrast Keys

The ‘Can’t Miss’ Keyboard

My mother’s failing eyesight made it difficult for her to use her computer. The letters on her standard keyboard were just too small and faded. We bought her a large-print, high-contrast keyboard for about twenty-five dollars. The keys themselves are the same size, but the letters printed on them are huge and in a bold, bright yellow against a black background. This simple, inexpensive change made it possible for her to see the keys clearly and continue to type emails and stay connected with confidence.

How to Adjust Your Mouse Pointer to Be Bigger and Easier to Find

The ‘Where Did My Cursor Go?’ Solution

I was constantly losing track of the tiny white mouse pointer on my busy computer screen. It was frustrating and slowed me down. In my computer’s accessibility settings, under “Mouse” or “Cursor,” I found some amazing options. I was able to make the pointer about three times bigger than its normal size. I also changed its color from white to a bright, vibrant red. Now, my cursor is big, bold, and impossible to lose.

The “Live Captions” Feature That Captions Any Audio on My Computer

My ‘Universal Captioning’ Machine

I’m hard of hearing, and I love watching videos online, but so many of them don’t have captions. My new computer has a feature called “Live Captions.” When I turn it on, a little box appears on my screen, and it automatically provides captions for any audio playing on my computer—a news video, a podcast, even a video call with my family. It’s a system-wide, universal captioning machine that has made the internet so much more accessible to me.

The Smartwatch Feature That Helps Me With My Tremors

The ‘Steady Hand’ on My Screen

I have essential tremor, which makes it very difficult to accurately tap on the small icons on my phone screen. My Apple Watch has an accessibility feature called “AssistiveTouch” that has been a lifesaver. It uses motion sensors to detect when I clench my fist or pinch my fingers. I can use these hand gestures to navigate the watch and activate icons without ever having to touch the tiny screen with a shaky finger. It’s a brilliant feature that has made my smartwatch usable for me again.

How to Use an Adaptive Stylus with a Tablet or Phone

A Better ‘Finger’ for My Tablet

Due to arthritis in my hands, I find it difficult to type accurately on my iPad’s glass screen. My occupational therapist recommended an adaptive stylus. I got one that has a large, soft, built-up grip that is much easier for me to hold than a standard pencil-like stylus. It gives me more control and precision when I’m tapping out an email or playing a game. For anyone with dexterity issues, an adaptive stylus can be the key to making a touchscreen accessible and frustration-free.

The Best Alarm Clocks for the Hearing or Visually Impaired

A ‘Multi-Sensory’ Wake-Up Call

A standard alarm clock just doesn’t work for me anymore. I can’t hear the high-pitched beep, and I can’t see the small numbers. I got a specialized alarm clock designed for accessibility. It has a huge, high-contrast digital display that I can see without my glasses. For the alarm, it doesn’t just beep; it also has a super-bright flashing light and a small disc that I put under my pillow that vibrates powerfully when the alarm goes off. It’s a multi-sensory alarm that ensures I never oversleep.

How to Get Your Phone to Announce Who Is Calling

The ‘Caller ID, Out Loud’

When my phone rings from across the room, my vision isn’t good enough to see who is calling before I get up to answer it. I found a great feature in my phone’s settings called “Announce Calls.” I set it to “Always.” Now, when my phone rings, it doesn’t just play a ringtone; a voice says, “Call from Susan” or “Call from Doctor’s Office.” It’s a simple, audible caller ID that lets me know if I need to rush to answer the phone or if it can wait.

The “Reader View” in Your Web Browser That Eliminates Clutter

The ‘Just the Article, Please’ Button

I love reading articles online, but websites are so cluttered with ads, pop-ups, and sidebars that it’s hard to focus on the text. I discovered “Reader View” in my web browser. When I’m on an article page, a little icon that looks like a document appears in the address bar. When I click it, all the clutter magically disappears, and I’m left with a clean, beautifully formatted page with just the text and images of the article. It’s made reading online a peaceful, focused experience.

The Best Software for Typing with Your Voice (Dictation)

My ‘Thought-to-Text’ Machine

My carpal tunnel has made typing for long periods painful. I’ve started using voice dictation software to write my emails and documents. Both Windows and Mac computers have excellent, free dictation tools built right into the operating system. I can just open a document, turn on dictation, and start talking. It’s surprisingly accurate. I can say “period” or “new paragraph” to format the text. It has allowed me to continue writing without any pain.

How I Use My Smart Home to Control Lights and Thermostats with My Voice

My ‘Vocal’ Butler

My mobility has become limited, and getting up to turn on a light or adjust the thermostat can be a real effort. My kids helped me set up a few smart home devices. We replaced a few lightbulbs with “smart bulbs” and installed a Nest smart thermostat. Now, I can just say, “Hey Google, turn on the living room lamp,” or “Alexa, set the temperature to 70 degrees.” My voice has become my remote control for my home, giving me a wonderful sense of comfort and control.

The Accessibility Features Built Into Netflix and Other Streaming Services

My ‘Customized’ Movie Night

I was having trouble enjoying movies because I couldn’t always follow the dialogue. I discovered the powerful accessibility features built into services like Netflix. In the “Audio & Subtitles” menu for any show, I can turn on subtitles. But even better, I can customize them—I can make the text much larger and change the color to a high-contrast yellow on black, which is much easier for me to read. It has completely changed my movie-watching experience.

How to Get Audio Descriptions for Movies and TV Shows

The ‘Narrator’ for My Shows

My vision loss has made it hard to follow the action in a TV show. I can hear the dialogue, but I miss the visual cues. I learned about “Audio Descriptions,” a special audio track available on most streaming services and some broadcast TV. When I turn it on, a narrator’s voice calmly describes what is happening on screen during the pauses in dialogue—”He walks to the window and looks out at the rain.” It’s like having a narrator for my movies, and it has made them fully accessible to me again.

The Orcam MyEye: A Review of a Life-Changing Device for the Visually Impaired

The ‘Wearable Reader’

I invested in a device called the OrCam MyEye. It’s a tiny, smart camera that magnetically attaches to the arm of my glasses. When I’m looking at something, like a book or a sign, I can just point, and the device will read the text out loud to me through a tiny built-in speaker. It can even recognize faces and identify products. It’s an expensive piece of technology, but it has given me a level of independence and interaction with the world that I thought I had lost forever.

The Best Apps for People with Aphasia

My ‘Voice’ After My Stroke

After my stroke, I was left with aphasia, which makes it incredibly difficult for me to find the words I want to say. My speech therapist introduced me to an app on my tablet called “Proloquo2Go.” It’s an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) app. It has a grid of pictures and symbols. I can tap on a series of pictures—like “I,” “want,” and a picture of water—and the app will speak the sentence out loud for me. It has given me back my ability to communicate my needs and thoughts.

How to Use Haptic Feedback on Your Phone for Touch Confirmation

The ‘Feeling’ of a Button Press

With my vision loss, I can’t always tell if my tap on the screen has registered. I enabled a feature called “Haptics” or “System Haptics” in my phone’s accessibility settings. Now, when I successfully tap a button or a toggle switch on the screen, the phone gives a tiny, subtle vibration or “thump.” This physical feedback confirms that my touch was successful. It’s a small thing that has made navigating my phone by touch much more confident and less frustrating.

The “AssistiveTouch” Dot on the iPhone Screen Explained

The ‘Floating Home Button’

The physical home button on my old iPhone broke. I thought I’d have to buy a new phone. But my son showed me a feature called “AssistiveTouch.” He turned it on, and a little white dot appeared, floating on my screen. When I tap this dot, it brings up a menu with all the functions of the physical buttons: Home, Volume, Lock Screen, etc. It’s a software-based solution that is designed for people with motor skill impairments, but it’s also a lifesaver if one of your physical buttons stops working.

The Best Large-Screen Tablets for Seniors with Low Vision

My ‘Window to the World’

My old 8-inch tablet was just too small for my failing eyes. When it was time for an upgrade, we specifically looked for a large-screen tablet. I chose a 12.9-inch iPad Pro. The extra screen real estate is a complete game-changer. I can make the text huge without it feeling cramped. Watching videos and looking at photos is a much more immersive experience. For any senior with low vision, splurging on the largest screen you can afford makes a world of difference.

How to Set Up Your Medical ID with Accessibility Needs

The ‘First Responder’s First Read’

I have a few important medical conditions and accessibility needs. I used my phone’s built-in “Health” app to set up my “Medical ID.” I listed my allergies and medications. Crucially, in the “Medical Notes” section, I added, “Hard of hearing, please speak clearly” and “Vision impaired.” This information can be accessed from my phone’s lock screen by a first responder, even if I’m incapacitated. It ensures they know how to best communicate with me and care for me in an emergency.

The “Sound Recognition” Feature That Listens for Smoke Alarms or Doorbells

My ‘Hearing’ for My Home

As I’ve lost my hearing, I’ve become anxious that I wouldn’t hear a smoke alarm or a fire alarm. My iPhone has an amazing accessibility feature called “Sound Recognition.” I was able to train it to listen for specific sounds. Now, if my phone’s microphone hears the specific frequency of a smoke alarm or my doorbell, it will send a prominent, vibrating notification to both my phone and my Apple Watch. It’s a powerful safety feature that acts as my ears for my home.

How to Use a Braille Display with a Smartphone

The ‘Feeling’ of My Phone

I’m a lifelong braille reader, and I was thrilled to learn that I can connect a portable braille display to my smartphone. I use Bluetooth to pair my display with my phone. As the phone’s built-in screen reader, VoiceOver, speaks what’s on the screen, the braille display simultaneously shows the same information in braille with its little moving pins. It allows me to read my emails, texts, and websites with the speed and fluency of touch, which is a much more efficient experience for me than just listening.

The Best Tech for Making Reading Physical Books Easier

My ‘Bookworm’s Best Friend’

My arthritis makes holding a heavy book difficult, and my vision makes reading the small print a strain. I’ve found a combination of tech that helps. I use a simple book stand to hold the book open for me, so I don’t have to grip it. To read the text, I use a device called a “video magnifier” or a CCTV. It’s a camera pointed at the page, and it displays a highly magnified image on a large screen, where I can adjust the contrast and brightness. It has allowed me to continue reading physical books.

How to Adjust the Color Filters on Your Screen for Color Blindness

A ‘More Vivid’ World

I have red-green color blindness, and sometimes it’s hard to distinguish between colors on my computer screen, especially in charts and graphs. I discovered a “Color Filters” option in my computer’s accessibility settings. I was able to select the filter specifically for my type of color blindness (Deuteranopia). It subtly shifts the colors on the screen to increase the contrast between red and green, making them much easier for me to tell apart. It has made the digital world a little more vivid and clear.

The “Speak Screen” Gesture on iPhone That Reads Any Text

My ‘Instant Audiobook’

Sometimes my eyes are just tired, and I don’t want to read a long news article on my phone. I enabled an accessibility feature called “Speak Screen.” Now, on any screen that has text, I can just swipe down with two fingers from the top of the screen. A little controller pops up, and my iPhone starts reading the entire content of the screen out loud to me. It’s a fantastic feature that can turn any article or email into an instant, hands-free audiobook.

The Best Ergonomic Mouse for Arthritis Pain

The ‘Handshake’ Mouse

Using a standard computer mouse was causing a lot of pain in my wrist and hand due to my arthritis. My son suggested I try a “vertical ergonomic mouse.” Instead of laying my hand flat, this mouse is designed so that I hold it in a “handshake” position, which is a much more natural posture for my wrist. It took a day to get used to, but it has dramatically reduced the pain and strain of using my computer. It’s a simple design change that has made a huge difference.

How to Use a Simple “Switch Control” to Navigate Your Device

My ‘One-Button’ Control

Due to a severe motor impairment, I can’t use a standard touchscreen or mouse. I use a technology called “Switch Control.” I have a single, large button that I can press with my head. This one button allows me to control my entire computer. The system automatically scans through the items on the screen, and I just press my switch when the item I want is highlighted. It’s a slow but powerful method that gives me full access to the digital world with just a single, reliable movement.

The App That Helps You Identify Currency Bills

My ‘Talking Wallet’

As my vision has declined, I’ve become unable to tell the difference between a one-dollar bill and a twenty-dollar bill. It made me feel very vulnerable when handling cash. I downloaded a free app called “Cash Reader.” I just open the app, point my phone’s camera at any bill, and the app instantly announces its denomination out loud: “Twenty Dollars.” It also vibrates differently for each bill. It’s a simple, brilliant app that has given me back my confidence and independence when dealing with money.

I Used an App to Find Accessible Parking and Entrances

My ‘No-Surprise’ Outings

I use a wheelchair, and the biggest stress of going to a new place is not knowing if it will be accessible. I started using an app called “Wheelmap.” It’s a crowdsourced map that shows accessible places. I can search for a restaurant or a museum and see if other users have marked it as having a wheelchair-accessible entrance and restroom. It helps me plan my outings with confidence, knowing that I won’t be met with a surprise flight of stairs when I arrive.

The Best “Talking” Calculators and Scales

My ‘Audible’ Measurements

For someone with low vision, a standard calculator or bathroom scale is useless. I’ve replaced them with “talking” versions. My talking calculator has large, high-contrast buttons and announces each number and function as I press it, and then speaks the final result. My talking scale announces my weight in a loud, clear voice when I step on it. These simple, audible tools allow me to perform everyday tasks independently and accurately, without having to ask for help.

How to Make Your Smartphone Flash When You Get a Call

The ‘Visual Ringer’

I’m hard of hearing, and if my phone is on silent in my pocket, I often miss important calls and texts because I can’t hear the ringtone or feel the vibration. I enabled a simple but powerful accessibility feature. Now, whenever I get a call or a notification, the bright LED flash on the back of my phone (the same one used for the camera) flashes repeatedly. It’s a powerful, silent, visual alert that is impossible to miss.

The “Guided Access” Mode to Simplify a Screen for a Loved One

The ‘Single-App’ Mode

My husband has dementia, and he gets easily confused and overwhelmed by all the icons on his iPad. He would accidentally close the game he was playing and get lost. I started using the “Guided Access” feature. I can open a single app for him, like his solitaire game, and then triple-click the home button. This locks the iPad into that one single app. He can’t exit it, and I can even disable parts of the screen. It creates a simple, frustration-free experience for him.

The Best Tech for Reminders for Those with Memory Loss

The ‘Gentle Nudge’

My mother is in the early stages of memory loss, and we needed a simple system for reminders. We got her an “Amazon Echo Show,” a smart speaker with a screen. We’ve set up recurring daily reminders. At 10 AM, the device chimes and the screen displays, “Time to take your morning pills, Mom!” It’s much friendlier than a jarring alarm. We can also use the “Drop In” video call feature to check in on her visually, which gives us incredible peace of mind.

How to Find and Enable the Accessibility Menu on Android

The ‘Control Panel’ for My Needs

I learned that my Android phone has a dedicated “Accessibility” menu in the main Settings app that is a treasure trove of useful features. It’s where I found the options to increase the font size, turn on the screen magnifier, and enable high-contrast text. For anyone with any kind of sensory or physical challenge, the first place you should explore on your phone is this powerful control panel. It’s filled with tools that can transform your device from frustrating to functional.

The Wearable Device That Helps with Parkinson’s Tremors

A ‘Steadying’ Hand

My Parkinson’s tremor made it difficult to do simple things like drink a cup of coffee. I started using a wearable device called the “Steadi-Two.” It’s a glove-like device that I wear on my wrist. It uses a smart fluid and a small weight to counteract my tremor, acting like a shock absorber. It doesn’t eliminate the tremor, but it significantly reduces it, allowing me to have more control and perform daily tasks with more confidence and less frustration. It’s been a remarkable aid.

The Best Tele-Coil (T-Coil) Compatible Tech

My ‘Personal Sound System’

My hearing aids are equipped with a “telecoil” or “T-coil.” I learned that many public places, like my church and the local movie theater, have an induction loop system installed. When I’m in one of these places, I can switch my hearing aids to the “T-coil” setting. The sound from the main microphone or sound system is then streamed directly into my hearing aids, clear as a bell, without any background noise or echo. It’s like having a personal, perfectly clear sound system wherever I go.

How to Get Louder Sound from Your Phone or Tablet

The ‘Volume Boost’

Even with my phone’s volume all the way up, I sometimes struggle to hear videos or speakerphone calls. I found a couple of tricks. First, in my phone’s accessibility settings, there’s a feature for “Hearing Aid Compatibility” which can sometimes provide a clearer signal. Second, for watching videos, I downloaded a “volume booster” app. It’s able to increase the maximum volume beyond the phone’s normal limit. It’s a great tool for those times when the default volume just isn’t loud enough.

The App That Describes Your Surroundings Using Your Phone’s Camera

My ‘AI Tour Guide’

As a blind person, I’m always curious about my surroundings in a new place. I use an app called “Supersense.” I can hold up my phone, and the app uses artificial intelligence to describe what the camera sees. It will say things like, “I see a room with a red couch, a wooden table, and a window on the left.” It’s not perfect, but it’s an incredible tool that gives me a “visual” sense of a space, helping me feel more oriented and aware of what’s around me.

How Accessibility Tech Gave Me Back My Independence

From ‘I Can’t’ to ‘I Can’

As I’ve gotten older and my physical abilities have changed, I was starting to feel like my world was shrinking. I thought I would have to give up reading, connecting with friends, and managing my own home. But accessibility technology has been the key that unlocked my independence again. My smart speaker reads me books, my phone’s magnifier lets me read my own mail, and my voice-controlled lights mean I can safely navigate my home. This tech hasn’t just been convenient; it’s been liberating.