Staying In Touch with Visual Impairment
(Lighthouse International, Fall, 2008)

Technology is rapidly advancing every day and there continues to be new and improved products on the market that make the world a more accessible place for people with vision loss, including using cell phones.
AT&T Wireless offers their customers discounts on Code Factory software products that make cell phones accessible. There are two offered options: Mobile Speak, a screen reader that provides text-to-speech access; and Mobile Magnifier, a full-screen magnification application that can be used with or without speech. For more information, call them at (866) 241-6568.
Nuance, another manufacturer, has developed TALKS screen reader and Zooms, a screen magnifier.
For a current list of compatible phones from different manufacturers and distributors, go to the Code Factory and Nuance websites: www.codefactory.es and www. nuance.com/talks. If you don’t have internet access, the Lighthouse for the Blind will send you a list of phones by mail. Once you have a list of phones, you can check out service providers in your area to see who offers any of these options. You can call the Lighthouse for the Blind at (800) 829-0500.
Verizon Wireless expects to have a fully accessible phone available in early 2009.
GreatCall, Inc., has partnered with Samsung to create the Jitterbug, a simple cell phone – no text messaging, no email, etc. If you are visually impaired and are looking for a cell phone that’s easy, the Jitterbug may be perfect for you. There are two models, each with large buttons, bright easy-to-read screens and adjustable volume. The company boasts 24-hour operator assistance and offers various monthly/yearly plans. For more information, call (800) 296-4993 or go to www.jitterbug.com.

Back to Newsletter Page