Accessibility/Mobile/ScreenReader
Introduction
Firefox OS allows blind users to operate a device with speech assistance. This function is called a "screen reader", it aids the user by allowing them to explore the screen with speech synthesis and activate items via special gestures. Also see: Firefox OS Screen Reader Presentation
Activation
Quick Toggle
A blind user who has a Firefox OS device does not require any sighted assistance for activating the screen reader. Press volume up and then volume down 3 times in sequence and you will hear the first audible feedback telling you to do the same volume buttons sequence one more time to activate the screen reader. You will hear "screen reader started", and you can now continue using your device with a screen reader. To toggle off the screen reader the same volume sequence applies.
A video demonstrating quick toggle
Toggle via Settings
Another way to start and stop the screen reader is via the Settings app, in the Accessibility section.
A video demonstrating activating screen reader via settings
What to do if you have 1.3 (1.4 flatfish) device
Usage
The screen reader allows you to explore and touch anything on the screen. Anything that is under your finger will be spoken but not activated automatically. This is a good way to get an idea of the user interface.
To read all the items that are on the screen in sequential order swipe to the right to go forward and to the left to go backward. The active item is highlighted by a rectangle around it, while it is spoken.
Once you have reached the item that you want to activate, double tap anywhere on the screen. If you reached a range widget, you can swipe up or down to change its value.
A video demonstrating screen reader navigation
To speed up using the keyboard when entering text you do not need to double tap on the chosen key. Lifting a finger once you have reached the key by touch will input it. This also works for entering numbers.
A video demonstrating typing with the screen reader
When viewing a large document or application like a Home screen, you can scroll down or up to the next or previous screen by swiping up or down with two fingers.
A video demonstrating scrolling the home screen
To bring down the utility tray, that has past notifications and shortcut buttons for the most common settings, swipe down with two fingers starting from the top edge of the screen.
A video demonstrating how to get to the utility tray with the screen reader
To quickly switch between applications and web pages simply swipe left or right with two fingers starting from the edge of the screen.