Get the free lesson “An Introduction to VoiceOver” the first lesson from Mac for the Blind Audio Tutorial series on the Mac lessons page.
One of the most frequent questions I receive and I have read on all of the blind user Mac mailing lists has to do with locating podcasts, documentation and resources for learning how to get started with the Mac and VoiceOver. In fact, of late, this has been a very common theme. So, what I am attempting to do on this page is collect resources that are specific to getting started with the Mac and VoiceOver. This will be a work in progress and I will attempt to break this down into sections to make referencing material easier. As always, suggestions and contributions are welcomed and encouraged.
Documentation
Here are some manuals and other documentation that should help the beginner or the user interested in switching to the Mac learn about the Mac and VoiceOver.
Note that MacOS 11 Big Sur is the current version of the Mac operating system, but I offer older documentation for reference and in case the user is utilizing an older system with an earlier version of the OS.. However, for this page, I am only going to present the latest documents. If you are using an older operating system, please take a look at
the Documentation page.
New Operating Systems
It seems that for macOS 10.14 Mojave, Mac OS 10.15 Catalina, MacOS 11 Big Sur, MacOS 12 monterey, and macOS 13 Ventura,the VoiceOver manual is now part of the Mac Help system. There does not appear to be any online user guide available through the Apple website. Thus, for the newer operating systems, one can:
- Open VoiceOver help with Control-Option-h or Caps Lock–h.
- VO down arrow once and Select, “User Guide”, from the help menu.
- VO-spacebar and that will open the VoiceOver User Guide.
Note: that you will need to have some familiarity with VoiceOver navigation to select and interact with items in the guide to be able to, for example, choose a subject from the table of contents.
VoiceOver User Guide for MacOS Big Sur
VoiceOver Getting Started with High Sierra.
VoiceOver Getting Started with Sierra
VoiceOver Getting Started with Sierra
VoiceOver Getting Started with Sierra in Microsoft Word format:
VoiceOver Getting Started Guide for Sierra in MS Word Format.
VoiceOver Getting started with El Capitan
VoiceOver Getting Started Guide with El Capitan
VoiceOver Getting Started with Yosemite
VoiceOver Getting Started Guide for Yosemite.txt
MacOS keyboard shortcuts for High Sierra.
MacOS keyboard shortcuts for High Sierra.
Mac OS shortcuts as of Sierra.
Mac OS Shortcuts as of Sierra.
Mac OS X keyboard shortcuts for El Capitan
Mac OS X Keyboard Shortcuts for El Capitan
Mac OS Keyboard Shortcuts for Mavericks
Keyboard shortcuts for OS X Mavericks
Mac OS Keyboard Shortcuts for Mountain Lion
Mac OS X Keyboard Shortcuts for Mountain Lion.rtf
Podcasts and Demonstrations
Please note that I have several demonstrations and podcasts that cover a variety of topics on the Demonstrations page of the site.
Yet another a podcast link courtesy of Scott Davert of Applevis. This one is on unboxing and setting up a Mac Book Air with VoiceOver assistance.
Unboxing and initial setup of the Mac Book Air
David Woodbridge of Vision Australia and Applevis has created a series of “Mac Basics” podcasts to help the new user get started. I am going to link a few here, but please note that you should search the Applevis site and do a search in the podcast category for, Mac basics. Starting VoiceOver How to make the function keys work with VoiceOver How to run the VoiceOver Quick Start Tutorial How to use Quick Nav on the Mac How to make your Mac easier to use with VoiceOver How to add, sort and remove items from the Dock How to quickly shut down your Mac using VoiceOver How to turn off the Trackpad Commander How to unmute speech if VoiceOver is running Using the Calculator Application with VoiceOver Accessing the Mac App Store with VoiceOver Exploring the Dashboard Widgets menu with VoiceOver
Here is an introduction to Mavericks done by David Woodbridge that can be found on the Applevis site.
An introduction to Mavericks
This is a link to another great podcast from Scott Davert of Applevis on connecting and using a Braille display on the Mac. Using Braille displays with the Mac
Other Resources
Here are some additional resources for getting started with the Mac and VoiceOver for beginners and those interested in switching to the Mac. Starting with this site,
I offer audio tutorials on the Mac for sale
here.
Also, there is our How to for the Mac and OS X page. We also have a Tips and Tricks for the Mac and OS X page. Please also take a close look at our Links page where you will find links to several great email lists and a variety of Mac related resources. In addition, Mac for the Blind offers training and support services. If you need help getting started or would like to learn how to use your Mac and VoiceOver in a more comprehensive way, we offer several training packages and can easily customize a training program that meets your needs and, more importantly, your wallet. Please review our Training and Support page.
From the National Braille Press, Janet Ingber offers a great book to help people get up and running with their Mac and use VoiceOver effectively. I am proud to say that I had a small part in reviewing this book and making suggestions. There are also other books she has written on earlier versions of the Mac operating system.
The Mac High Sierra Operating System (MAC-HIGHSIERRA)
If you are a user of just apple products, like to ask questions and answer without other topics? That’s how it goes down in “only Apple talk and support. Subscribe here
Only Apple Talk.
There will be no windows, or android products. If it’s not apple, were not talking about it. We promise!
Want to learn advanced Mac navigation, like to go beyond the basics of MacOs, and IOS? Then checkout
sturitup.com
, for free and paid resources.,
Tim Sniffen offers a free iBook on using the Mac, which is called, “Mastering the Mac with VoiceOver”.
Mastering the Mac with VoiceOver.
From Applevis, David Woodbridge presents some very useful tips and other information on using the Mac and VoiceOver.
Getting started with your Mac using VoiceOver
For those looking for some tutorials on using VoiceOver and Mountain Lion, Sarah Alawami has made some of her tutorials available for sale. In fact, you can purchase a zip file worth of them for only $6.00. Please go here for all of the details.
For low vision users looking for modified, large print keyboards or large print overlays/skins for keyboards, AISquared has some great options. You can find
all of the details here.