![](https://help.apple.com/assets/65A87C72DA343F86FB0BEB73/65A87C75DA343F86FB0BEB79/en_US/8cd093228f93c7920cbbb8c80c6e9b9b.png)
![An iPhone in Assistive Access showing the Camera app open with one large button for taking a photo and another large button for going back to the previous screen.](https://help.apple.com/assets/65A87C72DA343F86FB0BEB73/65A87C75DA343F86FB0BEB79/en_US/7f4db4506499e4a3280217215c9fe528.png)
What is Assistive Access?
Assistive Access is a distinctive iOS experience, with more focused features and a simplified user interface, which allows people with cognitive disabilities to use iPhone with greater ease and independence.
![Two iPhones showing the Assistive Access Home Screen. One iPhone shows a large grid of just a few apps. The other iPhone shows many apps in a list.](https://help.apple.com/assets/65A87C72DA343F86FB0BEB73/65A87C75DA343F86FB0BEB79/en_US/297e64d0c1c8cc4bdb6e7cd5ec73584b.png)
Get started
A trusted supporter, such as a family member or caregiver, can help set up and personalize Assistive Access so iPhone works best for the individual they support.
![An iPhone in Assistive Access with the Messages app open. A message is being sent using an emoji-only keyboard.](https://help.apple.com/assets/65A87C72DA343F86FB0BEB73/65A87C75DA343F86FB0BEB79/en_US/3c459c53c7fb28c5e430bcaf0b8d1e86.png)
Visual alternatives to text
Assistive Access offers ways for people to navigate iPhone and communicate using visuals rather than text. Items onscreen can be displayed in a large grid that emphasizes images and icons, and messages can be sent with an emoji-only keyboard or as a video selfie.
To explore the Assistive Access User Guide, click Table of Contents at the top of the page, or enter a word or phrase in the search field.
For additional resources, visit the Apple Accessibility Support website.