Accessible Products Hotline

Accessible Products Hotline

By Envision Marketing • Aug 26, 2019

Blog Content

Wichita, Kan. – Consumers with vision loss will no longer have to spend hours searching for products that fit their unique accessibility needs, thanks to the launch of the first-of-its-kind Accessible Products Hotline announced today by Envision. Funded by a grant from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Foundation, the hotline will be operated by the William L. Hudson BVI Workforce Innovation Center, connecting callers with professional advice about purchasing and operating the top home, office and personal use products on the market today. The BVI Workforce Innovation Center is part of Envision Inc. with the objective to train and employ individuals with visual impairments, place them into skilled positions and provide accessibility inclusion expertise to businesses around the United States.
               
The new hotline, 316-252-2500, is staffed by trained customer service representatives who are blind or visually impaired.
 
“The Accessible Products Hotline is the latest example of how Envision continues to take the lead in creating professional employment opportunities and innovative resources for people who are blind or low vision,” said Heather Hogan, senior vice president of Foundation and Mission Services at Envision. “The Accessible Products Hotline provides a new avenue for people with visual impairments to interact with the community and increase independence through assistive technology that is more prevalent than ever in consumer products. Our sincere appreciation goes out to the CTA Foundation for making this initiative possible.”
 
Products supported by the hotline were selected for their strong accessibility features and recommended by previous users who are blind or low vision. Currently featured products in the memo recorders, microwave ovens and headsets categories include:
  • Milestone 112 Ace Basic memo recorder
  • Micro-Speak Plus 8GB talking digital voice recorder
  • AmazonBasics microwave with Alexa (0.7 Cu. Ft, 700W)
  • Magic Chef TMO-2 1010 talking microwave
  • Aftershokz Trekz Air & Aftershokz Sportz Titanium Wired Bone Conduction Headset with Microphone
  • Bose Frames (Rondo and Alto frame styles)
 
New items will continue to be added. Consumers can recommended a product by completing an online form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/APHProduct. 
 
Further information on the BVI Workforce Innovation Center and the Accessible Products Hotline can be found at https://www.workforceforall.com.
 
About Envision: Envision promotes advocacy and independence for those who are blind or low vision. Founded in 1933, Envision is one of the largest employers of individuals with vision loss in the nation. Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., Envision’s mission is to improve the quality of life and provide inspiration and opportunity for people who are blind or visually impaired through employment, outreach, rehabilitation, education and research. For more information, visit www.envisionus.com.