Can't enter passcode

From what you describe, your neighbor has activated Voice Over. This is evidenced by the fact that it is repeating the numbers. You have to either attempt to turn off Voice Over, or use it to unlock the device and then turn it off. See this section of the iPhone User Guide for assistance. You need to tap once to find the key your are on, then then tap again to initiate the button. This is an Accessibility function. http://help.apple.com/iphone/10/#/iph3e2e33be

All right, if a restart doesn't fix it, then have you tried the reset? I'm not sure when your last backup is, but that is the normal step 3 in user troubleshooting, if the reset does not work. You can restore the device to your last backup. Did you have any type of profile on the phone? It seems unusual that you are able to swipe the phone, and also swipe it to turn off, but the passcode keypad is not working. Try the reset.

Performing a restore and losing your data is an option. It may not be something you would like but it is an option. When a problem arises, is not the time to attempt a backup. Backups should be performed regularly.

the problem here is that it is most likely software related because the screen works to access the top and bottom of the screen. If you were somehow able to back the phone up it would bring the software issue right back to the phone. This is why iCloud backups are important. They can save only the important data that you need (contacts and Photos)

Last night this happened to our neighbor and her new iPhone SE. She had just spent days inputting her entire address book and didn't think of backing up immediately. So she has a frozen passcode keypad. We spend an hour doing resets and restarts but to no avail. The voice is still working giving time and battery information. But the keypad for unlocking won't accept numbers but it does repeat the number have pushed! Yet the buttons don't light and the indicator balls don't fill. I am really hoping there is someway to retain the address book after all the work and time. Phone is new. Thanks.

So what troubleshooting have you tried? User troubleshooting steps are restart (powering the device off and then back on again), reset (holding the sleep/wake and home buttons together until you see the Apple logo and then release. The device will reboot), and finally restore; first from a backup and then if necessary as a new device.

If the reset did not work and you are unable to restore the device, then make an appointment at the Genius Bar of the nearest Apple store to have the device looked at. You could also try this support document regarding touchscreen issues if you like before the Genius Bar appointment. If the screen on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch doesn't respond to touch - Apple Support

Did that work by pushing the buttons twice for the password my dad having the same problem with his new phone