What is VoiceOver
VoiceOver is the free, built-in screen reader available on all Apple computers running Mac OS X Tiger or later. Unlike traditional screen readers for Windows, VoiceOver is part of the operating system itself and not a “bolt on” software package installed after the fact. VoiceOver provides speech, output and screen magnification for the blind or low vision user, and refreshable Braille displays can be connected and used as well. The user has full keyboard control over their Mac, and can utilize their computer without any assistance . VoiceOver is easily customizable by the user, and one has access to many features and functions that can be turned on or off, such as sound alerts and verbosity settings.
Daily tasks such as email, word processing, web browsing, chatting and listening to music can all be performed on the Mac with applications included on every Macintosh computer; Apple Mail, Text Edit, Safari, Messages and iTunes respectively. All of these programs work with VoiceOver with the same level of accessibility as on a Windows computer. Additionally, there are several third party applications accessible out of the box that a user can purchase or download for free.
For specific details on VoiceOver on the Mac,
see here
VoiceOver also runs on all of the latest iOS devices such as the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, iPod Nano, Apple TV and Apple Watch. Apples innovative gesture-based technology gives the user complete control over their iDevice, and access to a variety of applications (note that all third party apps are not necessarily compatible with VoiceOver). The user receives speech feedback via VoiceOver, and can even connect a several different types of refreshable Braille displays as well. Like on all Mac computers, VoiceOver comes built into all iDevices, and all of the applications included out of the box, such as Mail, Safari, Phone, iTunes, text messaging, the calendar, clock, weather and contacts, are all accessible. Navigation on the device or within the applications is slick and quite easy for the user, as they have amazing access to a touch screen almost on the same level as a sighted individual.
For information about VoiceOver on the iPhone,
see here.
For information about VoiceOver on the iPad,
see here.
For information about VoiceOver on the iPod Touch, Nano or Shuffle, see here.
For information about VoiceOver on the Apple Watch,
see here.
For information about Voiceover on the Apple TV,
see here.