FAQs

iPhone FAQ

iPad FAQ

iPhone Frequently Asked Questions

Why use a tactile screen protector?

While it is true, a blind or visually impaired person does not require tactile feedback to use a touch screen with voiceover, we have discovered that placing single Braille dots in a few key locations on the screen can provide a noticeable increase in speed and productivity. If you are new to the touch screen environment, or dislike the fact that there are no physical buttons on your phone, then the tactile screen protector can offer both a practical and affordable solution for you!

How and Why?

While Apple has done a great job making its touch screens fully accessible to blind and visually impaired users, simply placing raised dots on the surface of the screen in a few key locations can help individuals input text and information accurately and confidently!

Apple, along with many third-party developers, typically place buttons in the same locations, which we are subsequently able to mark with a small, raised Braille dot. These tiny dots can be easily felt, but in no way obstruct a sighted person's view of the screen as our screen protectors are clear. This makes it easy for you to share your phone with sighted friends, colleagues, family members, etc., without interfering with your phone's operation.

Note: Our SpeedDots fit the Braille standard in size and shape!

The dots and what they represent:

Top Left:
Back/Cancel
Top Right:
Ok/Done
Below Ok:
Add contact from address book in SMS/email
Top Center:
Search/Heading/Safari address bar
Across the Middle
3 dots above the keyboard for keyboard predictions and autocorrect
Center of Screen:
Number "5" on the phone pad
Middle Right:
Send button for text messages
Across the Bottom:
5 evenly spaced dots representing soft key functions
Lower Left:
Shift
Lower Right:
Delete/Backspace

All of the keys listed above are marked identically on both the Standard and Advanced models of our tactile screen protectors.

Virtual Keyboard (Standard):
Each letter is marked with a single dot, with the exception of letters "F" and "J" which are blank and contain no dots. Many users like this layout, as frequently, the dots can be used to represent other points of reference when the keyboard is not enabled.
Virtual Keyboard (Advanced):
This configuration contains dots on the letters "F" and "J" ONLY. Users also like this configuration because it is less cluttered, yet still provides the ability to orient to the center row of keys quickly while typing.

Note: Both keyboard options are available. Please specify which keyboard type you would like when placing your order.

If you are new to the iPhone's layout, or have any questions about either the Standard or Advanced tactile screen protectors, please email us at: info@speeddots.com.



Changes for iPhone 5

iPhone 5 marks
Top Right
Added a mark for previous email and clear text button
Above Keyboard
Added mark for attach media


Phone Only Layout

iPhone 5 with the phone marks

While the iPhone can do so much, there is a large group of people out there who - believe it or not - still prefer to use the iPhone for making phone calls only. Starting with the iPhone 5, we have now introduced the phone layout, for those that want to use their iPhone simply, as a phone. All functions on the phone dial pad are marked as follows:

Keypad Keys
0-9, *, #
Below Keypad
Save to contacts, call, delete
Bottom Row
Favorites, recents, contacts, keypad, and voicemail

To speed up dialing, we have put 2 dots on the number 5 as well as the call button.

How do I set up Braille Screen Input on my device?

To setup Braille Screen Input (BSI) do the following:

  1. Go to settings, general, accessibility, Voiceover, rotor.
  2. Enable the rotor action for Braille.
    • Optionally, you may want to move Braille closer to the top so it's close to characters or words if you use it often.
  3. Once done, activate the back button to return to the Voiceover options.
  4. Select Braille.
  5. Select the Braille Screen Input option.
    • Under Braille Screen Input, you have two choices: Uncontracted six dot and Contracted Braille. If you are new to Braille screen input, you may find it helpful to learn to use Braille screen Input using uncontracted Braille for a while until you are comfortable typing on the touch screen.
      Note: Unlike in other software keyboard scenarios, typing in contracted Braille will only echo words - not characters - so you will get no typing feedback to discern any mistakes you may have made until you use the single finger swipe right gesture to enter a space between words.

Learn more about the BSI SCreen Protector.



iPad Frequently Asked Questions

The SpeedDots Tactile Screen Protector for the iPad is designed for use in portrait orientation exclusively.

How will a tactile screen protector help me use my iPad?

Because the screen on the iPad is so large, and some buttons and icons are small, it can be a challenge to quickly and consistently locate items. By placing tactile markings in specific key locations on the screen, users can locate needed items quickly and efficiently.

Will a SpeedDots Tactile Screen Protector on my iPad make it easier for me to type?

Google on the iPad with SpeedDots

We have marked the entire QWERTY keyboard, with the exception of the letters F and J; which allows users to align their fingers with a central point consistently on the keyboard. Because the iPad's touch screen keyboard covers a substantial amount of surface area, it is possible to type quickly and accurately once a Tactile Screen Protector has been applied.

The dots and what they represent:

Braille markings can be found on frequently used buttons and tabs located on the top and bottom of the screen in most apps. You will find the markings line up with native apps, as well as many found in the App Store. A partial list of some of the commonly found controls are listed below for your convenience:

Safari

  • Top Left:
    • Back
    • Forward
    • Bookmarks
  • Center:
    • Safari address bar
  • Top right:
    • New Tab (below Google search)

Mail

  • Top left:
    • Mailbox button
    • Previous and next message
  • Top right:
    • Move, archive, reply, and compose
    • Details (below compose)
  • Bottom left:
    • Refresh

Messages

  • Top left:
    • Edit
    • Search (below edit)
    • Compose
  • Top right:
    • Cancel/Add from address book
  • Above keyboard in Messages:
    • Attach media
    • Send

Reminders

  • Top left:
    • Edit
    • Search
    • List/Date tabs
  • Top right:
    • Add reminder

Music

  • Top left
    • Previous track
    • Play
    • Next track
  • Top right:
    • Volume
  • Bottom center:
    • Store

YouTube

  • Top right:
    • Search field

ITunes

  • Top left:
    • Genres button
  • Top right:
    • Search

Keyboard: As noted above, there is a Braille mark on each letter of the keyboard except for f and j for quick orientation. The keyboard needs to be left in its default position at the bottom of the iPad.

Note: Our iPad tactile screen protector does not support the split keyboard, so in order to enjoy the most effective experience; you will need to leave your iPad in full keyboard mode.