A Guide To Technology Self-Help
When it comes to learning something new, or requiring help to use a piece of technology, it can often be daunting to find the right person or tools to assist you. Let’s face it, we can all do with help sometimes? There are a lot of courses, tutorials, podcasts, factsheets, and advice out there, written for and by blind and visually impaired people. There is also a wealth of self-help mainstream information you can tap into. But where do you go to get that help?
The most popular content people are looking for probably relates to Smartphones and tablets, so let’s start with these.
Apple Products
AppleVis is the ultimate community-driven resource for all things iPhone, iPad and Mac. Whether you want to know how to turn on VoiceOver and Zoom, or dive into tutorials and tips for getting the most out of your Apple device, then it is likely you will find it on
Apple Support Pages
This portal offers lots of help for anyone new to Apple products, or for seasoned users who require a user guide or those all-important keystrokes. In the UK, you can also call Apple on 0800 048 0408. Their website is here
Hadley
You can also get support through Hadley who offer workshops, audio podcasts, and discussion groups on a range of assistive and mainstream technology including Apple products.
iOS 18 Edition, written by Shelly Brisbin and produced by iOS Access For All, is another fantastic resource, available here:
Michael Feir has written a very useful guide to iOS, the second edition of which can be found here and is worth having in your self-help toolbox:
National Braille Press (NBP)
Several books have been written for and by blind Apple users so check out what’s available at
Perkins School For The Blind
The Perkins School For The Blind offers a wide range of guides and resources so do check out their website at
Technology Association Of Visually Impaired People (TAVIP)
There are also trainers who will teach you how to use your Apple device if you pay them for private tuition. This can be expensive, depending on how long it takes to learn your way round your device. The Technology Association Of Visually Impaired People (TAVIP) offers a directory of websites you can go to as another source of self-help, plus a knowledge base of articles and masterclasses.
Android
It is probably fair to say that Apple dominates the Smart devices landscape because so many blind and visually impaired people use them, and because there is a wealth of self-help information available. But do not discount Android. Your first port of call should be to
This portal offers a wide range of information about using an Android device if you are blind or visually impaired.
Another very useful and thriving portal for all things Android is
Here, you will also find details of a Blind Android Users mailing list and a weekly podcast devoted to Android devices and apps for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Don’t forget to check out Google Accessibility pages either, there are lots of guides, tutorials and tips to be had.
Microsoft
In recent years, Microsoft has increased its range of accessibility tools for its Windows platform, so check out these pages if you are looking for help with Microsoft’s Narrator screen reader, magnification, and other accessibility tools:
Microsoft Accessibility Technology And Tools
Accessibility Resources And Training
David Kingsbury has written a fantastic freely available book called The Windows Screen Reader Primer, now in its fourth edition, which covers using Windows as a blind or visually impaired user and is definitely worth downloading from the Carroll Centre
The Windows Screen Reader Primer Fourth Edition
Don’t forget to check out the book store on the NBP website if you want to learn more about Windows from a blindness perspective, there are some fantastic user guides and keystroke compendiums written for and by blind and visually impaired people using JAWS, NVDA and Narrator screen readers.
What’s available for Other Devices?
Depending on the device you need help with, there is a vast array of support available including tutorials, courses, voice commands, podcasts, email lists and training.
Braille
Braille On Display is my own book on all things Braille devices, a buyer’s guide if you like on what they do, what features they offer, and where to purchase them. You can download a copy of Braille On Display 2024 Edition from
If you or someone you know wants to learn Braille, there is a wealth of information on the RNIB website about books and courses that are available:
The Braillists Foundation offers masterclasses and runs a weekly programme of events relating to Braille, so do visit their website,
Screen Readers And Magnification
There is a myriad of courses, tutorials, podcasts and lists of keystrokes relating to screen readers and magnification:
- JAWS
- Fusion
- ZoomText
- NVDA
- Supernova
- Narrator
- Windows Magnifier
- VoiceOver for Mac
- Zoom for Mac
- Amazon Voice View
- ChromeVox for Chrome OS
The vendor websites carry lots of useful information, even for the beginner, so there is no need to feel alone when it comes to getting the most out of any screen reader. Check out these links:
Freedom Scientific JAWS Training
Amazon VoiceView Screen Reader
Miscellaneous Training courses, Tutorials, Books, Keyboard Commands And Gestures
You can visit the following websites to discover more information about the courses, tutorials, books, keyboard commands and gestures available:
AbilityNet
American Printing House For The Blind (APH)
Bookshare
David Woodbridge
I See - Using Various Technology
Hartgen Consultancy
Henshaws
Jaiweb Services
Jonathan Mosen
Mystic Access
National Braille Press (NBP)
RNIB Reading Services
Technology Association Of Visually Impaired People (TAVIP)
Conclusion
This is not an exhaustive list, so if you would like to add your service or recommendation for assistive technology help and support, please contact me,