iPhone Live Voicemail: accessibility and provider calls

Apple iOS: Improving Accessibility through Live Voicemails

By Clickability · Originally published 21 October 2024

Colourful illustration of a person looking at a phone

Original article and dated context

Technology plays such a pivotal role in our day-to-day lives, but perhaps its biggest benefit is the positive influence it has on accessibility. Let's be honest, I don't know what life I'd be living without my powerchair...

The latest Apple iOS update is no exception, with one of the coolest new features being live voicemail - letting users read transcripts of voicemails in real-time.

In this blog post, I'm going to explore how it works in practice, for both people with disability and NDIS providers. It's time to celebrate good tech.

Apple iOS Updates: Live Voicemail

When the new feature is turned on, voicemails are transcribed in real-time. This means that someone who is deaf or hearing impaired can instantly read a voicemail as it's been recorded.

But in the same way, the feature lets someone screen an unknown number and know who's calling. Users can then pick up and connect with the caller before the call ends.

The immediacy of live voicemails is sure to be a gamechanger for people with disability everywhere.

The update is available in English for Australian users. To use it ensure your operating system is iOS 17 and turn the feature on through Settings > Phone > Live Voicemail.

[Clickability update, October 2026: Current Apple instructions use Settings > Apps > Phone > Live Voicemail. Availability is not universal, so check the supported configuration rather than assuming the original iOS 17 statement applies.]

How can it support Clickability users?

If you switch the feature on as a NDIS participant, you will be able to read a live transcript of a voicemail being left by a provider, after you submitted a service request.

For our providers, this means they can clearly explain who they are and why they're calling, resulting in a participant being far more likely to answer a call.

It's win/win.

[Clickability update, October 2026: This is a historical promotion. This refresh does not establish that entries remain open or that submitting a request now qualifies for that draw.]

Want to enter our draw to win an iPhone?

Like we said, we love technology and how it improves access... that's why we're currently giving away an iPhone! To enter, simply click the below and follow the prompts.

It's as easy as submitting a service request, following us on socials, or telling a friend about our platform and how we can help them along their NDIS journey.

Enter our iPhone giveaway.

Clickability editorial update: October 2026

Choose a contact method you can use comfortably

If live transcription is useful to you, check the setting on your own phone using Apple’s current instructions. Read important details carefully and confirm anything unclear rather than relying on transcription accuracy for an appointment or payment decision.

Tell a provider whether you prefer calls, text or email, and whether a voicemail helps. A service request should lead to a conversation you can access; you do not need to answer an unknown call just because it follows a request.

Make the first message easy to recognise

State your name, organisation and the service you are calling about. Leave a clear way to respond and avoid unnecessary sensitive details in voicemail. Ask the person which communication method works for them.

Do not assume every participant uses an iPhone or has the same transcription feature. Confirm key arrangements through the person’s preferred channel. Respect for privacy and accessible communication matters more than adopting one particular feature.

Questions readers ask

Is the iPhone giveaway still open?

The original promotion is historical; this refresh does not present it as a current offer.

Where is the current Live Voicemail setting?

Apple describes Settings > Apps > Phone > Live Voicemail, subject to supported availability. Official guidance

Find providers who can communicate your way

Describe your service needs through Clickability and tell potential providers your preferred contact method. Compare profiles and reviews before choosing.

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