After 14 years and 12 editions, it is with a heavy heart that I must let you know that I will no longer publish new editions of my book, iOS Access for All.
The book has been a wonderful journey in so many ways, both for me as a writer, and because it offers itself as a unique reference for a truly outstanding suite of tools – Apple’s iOS software.
In 2012, I saw a large empty space in the world for a book that could offer a comprehensive guide to the accessibility features of Apple’s mobile operating systems. Other resources had begun to address how VoiceOver works, but the growing suite of tools for folks with low-vision, deafness or physical disabilities had no full-fledged guide. So I wrote one, included VoiceOver, too, and added many pages and chapters as Apple’s platform and software grew to meet the needs of more users.
And the response grew, too, from individuals who learned how to do more with their phones, to educators who shared my book in their classrooms, to other accessibility professionals who sought my ideas about these tools.
As a writer with a number of books under my belt by the time I conceived of iOS Access for All, the project was an opportunity to make something entirely the way I wanted to, without publishers imposing their limitations. Don’t get me wrong, I did approach publishers, but none saw the value in a book about accessibility on the iPhone. So I was happy to prove them wrong for so many years, while building the book as I saw fit.
I learned a lot about self-publishing, too. That includes the technical parts, and the ones I feel less skilled at, like promoting my own work to an audience that didn’t know me yet.
So why am I stopping? The simple answer is time. When I began this endeavor, I was an under-employed freelancer, looking for a way to write about accessibility, and sustain myself while doing it. Today, I’m a radio journalist with a busy schedule of podcasts and other projects. The time I spend on this book has to be squeezed in among the other things I’m doing, and it’s not fair to iOS Access for All readers, or practical for me.
I can’t tell you if stepping away from the book will be permanent. I still have a LOT to say about Apple accessibility, and I’m sure you’ll be able to hear and read some of those thoughts online. But the book is important because it’s still the most comprehensive resource out there about iOS accessibility. So I’m gonna leave the door ajar, just a little.
Thank you again to everyone who has ever purchased iOS Access for All or who has ever offered supportive feedback. Thank you to my friends who have helped me with editing, technical review, or occasional loaner hardware. Thank you to everyone who has invited me to talk about the book on a podcast, or reposted a link to a new edition.
The iOS 18 editions of the book will remain available. So if you would like to purchase one, use the Buy links on this site.
You can find me on Mastodon or Bluesky.
Shelly Brisbin