Cell Phone Accessibility Improves

Cell phones can do a lot these days, from sending photos to letting you download custom ring tones. But until recently, they offered very limited accessibility to individuals with vision loss. That's because cell phones use a visual interface with contextual menus – a huge problem if you can't see it.

But things are starting to change for the better, as manufacturers are adding accessibility to their phones and making the service more blind-friendly.

Some of these changes were spurred on by a lawsuit filed by Dr. Bonnie O'Day, a Washington D.C.-based research analyst. She sued Verizon Wireless and Audiovox to provide more accessible service, under Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. This law says telephone manufacturers and service providers must do all that is "readily achievable" to make their service available to people with disabilities. O'Day settled her suit after the companies agreed to improve the accessibility of phones and service.

Shopping for a cell phone and service can be complicated, so in some ways, shopping with accessibility in mind can simplify your choices. That's because each manufacturer offers only a limited range of options that are accessible.

Most accessible cell phones add a voice interface to the display screen. As you scroll through the menus, a synthesized voice reads you the menu options. Certain keystroke options can also tell you if you're roaming or if your battery is low.

While accessibility of this group of phones is greatly improved over previous-generation phones, they represent only a first step. Many phones are still difficult to set up, for example, and some have limited accessibility. But given the importance of a cell phone in the lives of many people, this is a huge step forward and will greatly enhance the independence and quality of life of the many cell phone users who are blind or low vision.

Here's a quick rundown of some of the best options. Please bear in mind that models and prices change quickly in this market. You should test phones yourself to make sure they meet your needs. And don't forget to test the service as well as the phones; some carriers are better than others for a certain location.

Sprint PCS

Sprint offers the Toshiba VM4050, which is also marketed as the Audiovox CDM9550 by some companies. This phone features "voice guide," which provides voice output for handset Status, incoming and outgoing telephone numbers, call history and other features. Customers with a qualifying disability can also obtain free directory assistance and "voice command," which allows you to control certain phone and multimedia features by speaking. For users with low vision, the screen can be adjusted for brightness and contrast. Sprint also offers billing statements in large print or Braille.

Verizon Wireless

Verizon's most accessible phone is the LG VX4500. Like many cell phones, it allows voice dialing, such as "Call Ellen." But it also supports digit dialing. You can announce the phone number and the phone will dial it for you. It also provides limited voice output, including contacts, redial, voice mail, schedule and time. Verizon offers bills in large print, Braille, diskette and audio.

AT&T and T-Mobile

These companies are listed together because they each use GSM technology, and hence offer similar phones and services. The most accessible solutions involve installing third-party software onto a class of Nokia phones that run the Symbian operating system. These include the Nokia 9200 Communicator, 3650, 3660, 6620, 6600, 7610, N Gage and N Gage Q.

Two companies make software that runs on these phones. Mobile Speak software can be installed on the above phones and functions like a screen reader on a computer. It costs $295 if you install it yourself, or $395 installed by the vendor. TALKS software is also available for these phones.

Learn more about cellphone accessibility  

 

Verizon Wireless accessibility page

AT&T accessibility page

Sprint PCS accessibility page

T-Mobile accessibility page

American Foundation for the Blind cell phone evaluations

Mobile Speak devices

TALKS devices

 

To learn more, please call (316) 440-1600, toll free (866) 319-4646, or e-mail rehab@envisionus.com.