In short: the right settings and tools can make reading, writing and getting around much easier. Start with what you already own: your phone.
Our promise: VSI is never paid to recommend a product. We describe types of tools and free options first. Prices and features change, so try before you buy, ideally at a low vision clinic.
Phone settings: Android
The names below are from most Android phones. They can differ slightly on Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands. Search your Settings for the word in bold if you cannot find it.
- Font size and display size: Settings, then Display (or Accessibility), then make the text and everything on screen bigger.
- Bold text and high contrast text: in Accessibility, or Display.
- Magnification: Settings, Accessibility, Magnification. Turn on the shortcut, then tap the shortcut to zoom in anywhere.
- Dark theme: Settings, Display, Dark theme.
- Select to Speak or TalkBack: Accessibility. Select to Speak reads out what you tap. TalkBack is a full screen reader.
- Voice typing: tap the microphone on the keyboard to speak instead of typing.
Phone settings: iPhone
- Larger text: Settings, Accessibility, Display and Text Size, Larger Text.
- Bold text and increase contrast: same menu.
- Zoom: Settings, Accessibility, Zoom. Double-tap with three fingers to zoom.
- Magnifier: a built-in app that turns the camera into a magnifier. Add it to Control Centre.
- Spoken content: Settings, Accessibility, Spoken Content, Speak Screen. Swipe down with two fingers to hear the screen read aloud.
- VoiceOver: a full screen reader, in Accessibility.
Useful kinds of apps
- Magnifier apps that use the camera, with light and freeze-frame.
- Reading apps that read printed text aloud from a photo, in English and Indian languages.
- Describing apps that tell you what the camera sees, such as currency notes or colours.
- Audiobook and accessible library apps.
- Navigation apps with spoken directions.
[TO CONFIRM: the Content and Resources working group should list specific free apps that members recommend, with the languages they support.]
Magnifiers
- Hand-held magnifiers: small and portable, good for labels and price tags. Ones with a built-in light are best.
- Stand magnifiers: rest on the page, good for longer reading and for shaky hands.
- Electronic (video) magnifiers: a camera and screen that enlarge text and can change the colours. Portable and desk models are available.
- Stronger is not always better: the right magnification depends on your eyes and the task. A low vision assessment helps you choose.
Computers
- Screen magnification: Windows has Magnifier (Windows key and plus). Mac has Zoom in Accessibility settings.
- Bigger pointer and text: in the accessibility or display settings.
- Screen readers: NVDA is free for Windows. Narrator (Windows) and VoiceOver (Mac) are built in.
- High contrast and dark themes, and reading aloud in the web browser.
Getting aids through government schemes
The ADIP scheme can provide some assistive devices free or at a reduced cost for eligible people with a disability certificate. See Rights, schemes and UDID.