Hi Joseph. 
I haven't attempted the menu system. There's no speech for them and I believe they wrap. I've done all programming via software. 
A key press will announce frequency and mode. Tuning is by dial with clicks. There are buttons for changing mode and for VFO and memories. 
I don't say it's perfect but it is useable and gives access to d-star. 
Barry VK6SP. 


Sent from my iPhone

> On 30 Mar 2016, at 9:42 AM, Joseph Stephen <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> 
> Barry,
> 
> Plese answer the specifics. Does the radio have different beeps so you know
> when a menu option is toggled on or off? Do you get a different beep to let
> you know that channels have wrapped around, or that you've reached the first
> menu item in a series of menu items? Can you press a key to hear the current
> frequency as the website seems to indicate?
> Thhanks
> Joseph
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> On Behalf Of Barry
> Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2016 9:56 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: re handhelds
> 
> Hi all.=20
> I have used an id-51a for a year.=20
> You can program it with aRT system software or with the free Icom software,
> i= f you're a little patient.=20
> 
> I'm totally blind and enjoy this radio.=20 Don't believe every piece of
> second hand hearsay you read.=20 Barry VK6SP.=20
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On 30 Mar 2016, at 8:18 AM, Joseph Stephen 
>> <[log in to unmask]> w=
> rote:
>> =20
>> Hi All,
>> =20
>> =20
>> =20
>> For the record, so people who search the archives are clear, my 
>> statement  about the Icom ID51a came from their website, not my own 
>> experience. Anoth=
> er
>> person on this list who has one has confirmed that it is ***not *** 
>> accessible so sorry about that. I just want to put this out there 
>> because I=
> 
>> do not want to further spread misinformation. It's a pity Icom 
>> advertise i=
> t
>> like this.
>> =20
>> =20
>> =20
>> Also for the record, my wishlist really includes one more thing, so 
>> here i=
> t
>> is again:
>> =20
>> My wishlist is as follows:
>> =20
>> 1. Completely accessible via different beeps (for on/off/option wrap  
>> around), or, voice prompts (including menu options, not just menu 
>> names),=20=
> 
>> =20
>> 2. 2m/70cm,
>> =20
>> 3. Wide band receive eg 01 to 1300 mhz,
>> =20
>> 4. Direct frequency entry!
>> =20
>> 5. Rugged.
>> =20
>> 6. 5w output.
>> =20
>> 7 Optional AA battery case available.
>> =20
>> =20
>> =20
>> So, yes, so far, only the Kenwood TH-F6A/F7E fit this description.
>> =20
>> Come on other users, please chime in, surely there are other 
>> accessible  handhelds out there besides the Chinese brands which are 
>> mostly illegal in=
> 
>> Australia because of their ability to transmit outside the ham bands 
>> and  can't be locked.
>> =20
>> =20
>> =20
>> Joseph
>> =20
>> =20