I've played with one, and know several blind folks with one.  You don't need 
the keyboard overlay, unless you are spatially challenged.

As a matter of fact, there are different overlays that are available, 
depending on what you want the iPhone to do.  But, once you learn the proper 
technique, it is pretty easy to use.  The only thing you need to do is 
enable the screen reader speech by having a sighted person do it or 
connecting your phone to the computer and doing it.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Richard Fiorello" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, June 27, 2010 2:58 PM
Subject: off topic cell phones


> Hello;
> I think this was mentioned previously but never saw a reply.  Any =
> totally blind folks out there using the dreaded i-phone?  My nephew just =
> got a new improved one so I took a look.  Never got to the point that I =
> could even make a call never mind txting or the internet.  Apparently =
> someone sells a braille overlay for the screen which may or may not =
> help.  There must be some secret that neither of us knew about.  Never =
> did figure out how to "flick" as opposed to tap or double tap.
> I hate buying a phone and buying a speech program which will certainly =
> require periodic updating.  This sounded ideal even if I didn't use half =
> of the features and there are folks that left me feeling it was very =
> usable.  I sure didn't feel it was easily used after seeing one.
> If anyone has some words of wisdom feel free to reply off list.
> Richard