Apps

This a simple way to access every type of book; from those published recently to others that are sold by Amazon. Its interface is adapted to different kinds of users and its viewing mode can be personalised for different degrees of sight. It is totally accessible with screenreaders and it has very good options for selecting text, placing markers, etc.

• App Store
• Google Play

This GPS exploration option is recommended for intrepid users who, apart from information about the places they are passing through, would like to obtain spatial orientation on a map and other characteristics. It is recommended for those who are familiar with technology as although its simplest features are useful for those with any level of technological ability, this app’s best features are designed for those blind users who wish to obtain extra information about their location and who have some basic technological knowledge.

• App Store

This app provides access to the audio description of many TV series and films. It is really easy to use once the audio descriptions are downloaded onto the device. The interface is visually acceptable, although many people may require help with downloading. Once a film or programme has been downloaded onto the device, all that is necessary is to select it on the app, allow the app to hear the TV sound and start to listen to the audio description track.

• App Store
• Google Play

The Audible app offers the chance to access thousands of audiobooks published by Amazon. Its interface is totally suited for people of any technological level as it only has a few controls. Some people may require help from friends or relatives to open their account and buy audiobooks, but once these audiobooks have been bought, their interaction with them will be very independent.

• App Store
• Google Play

This app is the simplest and most effective way to obtain visual assistance in real time and at any moment. Its interface is very simple and the app is useful for any degree of visual impairment that requires assistance from one of the volunteers who may be connected around the world and in their own language. This involves videoconferencing in which the user shows the volunteer the situation for which they require help and receives a live spoken response. It may be used to obtain information about packaging but also to obtain assistance in situations like finding something on the floor, finding the door of a building etc.

• App Store
• Google Play

BlindSquare is a highly specialised solution for visually-impaired users that is capable of providing GPS information to access places of interest in the user’s vicinity. Its interface is really accessible and easy to use for people with different levels of technological ability although its configuration may be taxing for some people. However, if a request for help is made to a friend or relative, this app is of real interest and can give greater confidence to visually-impaired users who wish to venture out and explore the places in their vicinity.

• App Store

It is interesting that the app is only a light detector because other light detectors form part of more complex apps, sometimes requiring the user to take a set of steps when all they want is to find out whether the lights are on.

The fact that it can work with both vibrations and sound offers great flexibility. In addition to being able to use it in quiet environments without problems, so far it is the only app that can be used by the deafblind.

• App Store

Digit-Eyes is one of highest-rated apps for reading QR codes or barcodes aimed at the visually impaired. Its visual accessibility is acceptable and it is simple and intuitive; which makes it useful for those with varying technological skills. In addition, the possibility of creating personalised labels or using washable labels can mean that with the assistance of a friend or relative, the visually impaired can organise their belongings, books or documents etc. using recognisable text or audio messages.

• App Store

FaceTime is the simplest way for iOS users to communicate with their contacts by audio and video. It is especially useful for anyone who requires visual assistance at any time but it is also a really easy alternative to use for keeping in contact with friends and relatives. The chance to take photos with the video screen enables people to save special moments on their camera. Both the app and the operating system itself make this an essential app for anyone with an iOS device.

• App Store

This Google tool is a simple way to communicate with people who have a Google account. It is accessible and easy to use, especially when an invitation to take part in a conversation is received. Although some may find it difficult to understand, it is comfortable and straightforward once it is understood its simplest uses.

• App Store
• Google Play

This reader is solely available for iOS and is intuitive and easy to use. It is important to bear in mind that it may only be used to access books published in Apple’s iBook shop although PDF documents may also be saved. To read books and documents from iBooks, iOS accessibility characteristics must be used, such as “Read selection” or “Read screen”. Although its interface is simple, it may be difficult to use for people who are unfamiliar with the iOS operating system and its accessibility.

• App Store

Colour identifiers for mobile devices have existed for many years. However, some form part of other more complex apps. This colour identifier is very fast and easy to use, so it reviews well when what is required is speed. The results are clear and easy to interpret and app use over a normal length of time does not significantly affect battery consumption.

It must be remembered, as its description indicates, that any colour identifier that uses a mobile camera for work might give inaccurate results if the light and shadow in a room are unsuitable when focusing on an object.

The scanning mode is another interesting feature of this app because it can explore the colours in a photo.

• App Store

The possibility of recording anything, from short messages to a speech, is one of the best ways to help a visually-impaired person. This recorder is really easy to use; as its name would suggest, “just press the record button” to start. Its interface is accessible and may be improved with the accessibility characteristics of the operating system. However, the app’s most advanced characteristics, such as the configuration of sound sources, the transcription of recordings etc. may be difficult for some. If the app is left configured at its default settings, it is really useful and easy to use for all levels of technological ability.

• App Store

This app, despite being costly, is one of the best for recognising written texts and reading them aloud. It is really easy to use; its interface is very accessible and the results of text recognition can be saved in different formats. KNFB Reader is the best text-recognition app for the visually disabled that has been created for mobile devices and is the most reliable option for those who are blind or have little residual vision, for whom other alternatives are less reliable.

• App Store

This navigating tool is a simple and comfortable alternative for anyone who is visually impaired and who wishes to obtain information about their whereabouts and the services nearby. Simply by opening the app, the user receives spoken messages regarding the names of roads and establishments in the vicinity. It is an easy way of taking the stress out of a walk down the road for those who are unable to see signs properly, regardless of their degree of visual impairment.

• App Store
• Google Play