5 Ways to Improve Your Typing on a Smartphone for People with a Visual Impairment

Most smartphone users, at some time or the other, have found virtual keyboards to be very slow and inefficient. It exponentially gets worse for people who are blind or visually impaired looking to improve their typing. The good news is: we have put together a list of 5 ways you can get better at typing on your smartphone. Whether you're hoping to increase the speed of your typing, make fewer typing errors, or type effortlessly, we have something for everyone.

 

How Do Blind People Type on the Phone

Typing on a smartphone can be a challenging task for anyone, but it can be particularly daunting for individuals with visual impairments. Despite these challenges, many people with visual impairments have developed efficient ways to navigate and type on their smartphones.

This is made possible through the use of various accessibility tools designed to assist them. On iPhones, the VoiceOver feature is a popular tool, while Android users often rely on TalkBack. These tools provide auditory feedback, allowing users to understand what is on their screen and interact with it accordingly.

One of the most common methods is using the on-screen keyboard, which, when paired with accessibility tools, can provide spoken feedback for each key pressed. Another popular option is dictation, where users can speak their messages or commands, and the phone transcribes them into text.

For those proficient in Braille, the BrailleBack app on Android or the built-in Braille screen input on iPhone offers an on-screen Braille typing experience. Additionally, Bluetooth keyboards provide a tactile alternative, enabling users to type more comfortably and accurately.

These options collectively empower individuals with visual impairments to use smartphones effectively, enhancing their communication and productivity. All have benefits and limitations in their use.

 

Options for Typing on a Smartphone:

1. On-Screen Keyboard

Provides spoken feedback for each key pressed, allowing users to type by touch. The on-screen keyboard is a widely accessible method for typing on smartphones, utilizing built-in accessibility tools such as VoiceOver on iOS and TalkBack on Android.

These tools provide auditory feedback for each key pressed, helping users type by touch. The on-screen keyboard is familiar and always available, making it a convenient option. Although typing speed can be slower and prone to errors, with practice, users can improve their accuracy and efficiency. This method also allows users to access all the functionalities of a regular keyboard, including emojis and special characters.

When to use it: The on-screen keyboard is best for composing short messages, browsing the internet, or performing quick tasks where speed is not crucial. It's useful in situations where privacy is needed, as it doesn't involve speaking out loud. However, it may not be ideal for typing lengthy documents or in situations requiring fast text input due to its slower pace and higher error rate.

 

2. Dictation

Enables users to speak their messages or commands, which the phone transcribes into text. Voice Dictation is a great way to navigate your phone or perform text input using voice instructions. Both iOS and Android devices support this method of input.

Studies show that people can speak thrice as fast as they type, so this can be an efficient way of typing. You can also incorporate punctuations in your voice instruction so that you don’t have to add them manually, reducing the time and effort required by text editing.

When to use it: Use voice dictation when you wish to compose short messages like on Whatsapp or search your grocery list. Since this input method doesn’t ensure privacy, don’t use it while inputting sensitive information or private information that you don’t want anyone else to hear. 

 

3. BrailleBack (On-Screen Braille Typing)

Allows users to type using Braille on the smartphone screen.

BrailleBack is an innovative solution for blind users, allowing them to type using Braille on the smartphone screen. This method is supported on both iOS and Android devices, providing a familiar interface for those proficient in Braille. BrailleBack enables users to input text more efficiently by using the tactile familiarity of Braille, eliminating the need to look at the screen.

However, despite its benefits, BrailleBack can be particularly challenging to use for most people, even those familiar with Braille, because the screen lacks tactile feedback. In our experience, less than 10% of Braille users make use of this smartphone tool for this very reason.

When to use it: Use BrailleBack for composing longer messages, emails, or when you require more precise control over text input. It's particularly beneficial in quiet environments where voice dictation might not be appropriate. Avoid using BrailleBack if you are not familiar with Braille or in situations where learning and practice might not be feasible.

 

4. Bluetooth Keyboards 

Offers a tactile typing experience, making it easier and more accurate for users to type.

Tired of your smartphone’s default virtual keyboard? Just change it.
All Android and iOS devices allow users to install third-party keyboards like Message Ease Keyboard. These alternatives often have distinct customizable features that you can tailor to suit your needs. Most of these keyboards are free to use and are designed to provide you with a personalized typing experience, allowing you to change the size of the keys, the feedback options as well as the language.

When to use them: Use these when you’re looking for functionalities not available on your phone’s default keyboard. For instance, if you constantly switch between typing in two languages, install a keyboard that allows this switch without slowing you down.

 

How Difficult Is Typing on the Phone as a Blind Person

Typing on a smartphone as a blind person presents unique challenges, with each method having its own advantages and disadvantages:

1. On-Screen Keyboard
• Upside: Accessible with built-in tools like VoiceOver and TalkBack; familiar interface.
• Downside: Slow typing speed and frequent errors; requires significant practice to use efficiently.
2. Dictation
• Upside: Faster than typing; convenient for quick messages.
• Downside: Lacks privacy as spoken words can be overheard; often inaccurate, leading to frustration.
3. BrailleBack (On-Screen Braille Typing)
• Upside: Familiar and efficient for those proficient in Braille; no need for external devices.
• Downside: Requires substantial learning and practice; not suitable for everyone.
4. Bluetooth Keyboards
• Upside: Provides a tactile typing experience; improves accuracy and speed.
• Downside: It is inconvenient to carry a huge device that also requires the use of a surface; undermines the portability of a mobile phone.

Each method has its trade-offs, making it essential for individuals to find the one that best fits their needs and lifestyle.

 

 

How to Improve Your Typing on a Smartphone:

1. Know when to apply which typing method

Understanding when to use each typing method can significantly enhance your typing efficiency on a smartphone. Each method has its strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different situations. For example, use the on-screen keyboard for short messages or tasks requiring privacy, as it doesn't involve speaking out loud.

Opt for dictation when you need to type quickly or hands-free, but avoid it for sensitive information due to privacy concerns. BrailleBack is ideal for those proficient in Braille, especially in quiet environments, while Bluetooth keyboards provide a tactile experience, making them perfect for lengthy typing sessions or when you need higher accuracy.

By assessing your immediate needs and environment, you can choose the most appropriate method, improving both speed and accuracy in your smartphone typing.

 

2. Use the Hable One

The Hable One is a compact, handheld device designed to make typing on a smartphone easier, faster, and more accurate for people with visual impairments. It functions as an external Braille keyboard that connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth, providing tactile feedback that enhances typing efficiency.

The Hable One is lightweight and portable, fitting easily in your pocket or bag, making it convenient for use on the go. Its ergonomic design and intuitive button layout reduce typing errors and increase speed, making it a superior alternative to on-screen keyboards and other methods. With this amazing device, you can navigate your phone, send messages, and perform various tasks with ease, enhancing your overall smartphone experience. For more information on the Hable One, visit this page.

3. Make Changes within Yourself and Your Device

You would be surprised to find out how small changes made to your device settings or your posture can go a long way in improving your typing. Just the way you sit or the mere placement of your keyboard can hamper your overall typing. Here are some simple changes you can make to achieve the best results:

• For android QWERTY keyboards, you can change how long you must touch a key on the screen before it taps by accessing the Touch and Hold Delay option in your phone’s Accessibility Settings. If you are an iPhone user, you can do the same through the Touch Accommodations option in your Accessibility Settings. 
• You can switch between Contracted and uncontracted braille in the BrailleBack option of your Android device’s Accessibility Settings. You can do the same through the Braille Screen Input option in your iDevice’s Accessibility Settings. 
• Hold your phone with both hands and use both your thumbs to type. This significantly increases typing speed, and is faster than users who hold their phone in one hand and use the index finger of their other hand to type.
• Sometimes, fatigue and prolonged smartphone usage can slow down your typing to a large extent. Don’t forget to take a break every so often. Don’t forget to stretch your hands, fingers and neck in the middle of long typing sessions. 

4. Accuracy vs Speed

The biggest mistake you can make while trying to improve your typing is only focussing on increasing your typing speed while completely neglecting accuracy. People often tend to confuse typing fast with typing efficiently. They might sound like the same thing, but they are not. There is little to no use in being able to type 90 words per minute (wpm) if 45 of those words have errors in them. 

These different aspects of typing – typing speed, typing accuracy, typing errors (a.k.a typographical errors or typos), and text editing, are all interrelated. Only focusing on typing speed will lead to increased typos. This will require time and effort for editing, thus lowering your overall typing speed. Therefore, it is better to start slowly, paying attention to accuracy while gradually increasing your typing speed. This approach is more likely to improve your typing in the long run by building confidence and strengthening your muscle memory. 

5. Tactile Guides and Multisensory Approach 

Unlike sighted users, people with vision impairment or blindness aren’t able to use visual cues to realize and correct their mistakes while typing. This can lead to lots of typos that require extensive editing, ultimately resulting in slow typing speed. However, a few simple hacks might help you enhance your typing efficiency and reduce the number of errors you make. 

If you use an external keyboard, you can easily find the home row keys and achieve proper finger placement with the help of the raised lines on the ‘F’ and J’ keys. They will you’re your fingers orient themselves to the rest of the keys on the keyboard. Further, if you find yourself struggling with specific letters, ask a friend or family member to place a drop of craft or clear glue on the problematic keys and allow it to dry and harden.

You can also use blue tack instead of glue for this purpose. These will help guide you of the keys’ positions. You can also use a multisensory approach, where you can implement vibration or audio feedback to keys on a phone’s virtual keyboard that will provide you with prompts as you type.

Improving typing on a smartphone for people with visual impairments involves understanding the strengths and limitations of various methods and tools. By knowing when to apply each typing method, utilizing innovative devices like the Hable One, making simple adjustments to device settings and posture, balancing accuracy with speed, and employing tactile guides, individuals can significantly enhance their typing efficiency.

These strategies collectively help in reducing errors, increasing speed, and making the typing experience more comfortable and productive. Remember, practice and patience are key to mastering any new skill. By exploring these tips and finding what works best for you, typing on a smartphone can become a more manageable and less daunting task. For more personalized assistance, feel free to reach out to us at support@iamhable.com.

Don't forget to write below your comments and thoughts about this ways of improving your typing on smartphones and tablets as a blind or visually impaired person, we always read them! Happy typing!