Using a traditional telephone, mobile phone or working in a call centre or busy office can be made more accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired through the use of supports and modifications.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Traditional telephones and larger call centre systems can be made more accessible to people with visual impairment using the following products and solutions:
Lighting:
Overhead and task lighting should be assessed to ensure the telephone keypad is well lit for people with low vision to allow for accurate dialing.
Accessing and recording phone numbers:
Tips for remembering and finding commonly dialed numbers for easy dialing, for example use:
- the memory capacity of the phone and develop a method for storing phone numbers in the memory such as storing names in alphabetical order or by association such as emergency, business associates, suppliers
- an online personal phone or contact directory which is accessible through screen reading or screen magnification software
- an A4 size easy read memory sheet of phone numbers, one is available through the Telstra disability equipment program
- use a thick, black text marker to record numbers for easier viewing
- use a large print chart of the memory buttons or a cassette which can be kept near the phone for easy reference
- use a large print phone numbers book or teledex
- a special dialing feature that can be linked to some phones, such as the delayed hotline, for which you can register to dial your most frequently dialed number by simply picking up the phone, holding for 4 seconds and the number is dialed automatically. Abbreviated dialing is another option available where up to 60 numbers can be stored in the telephone exchange memory which can be activated with1 - 2 digit codes.
Telephones & equipment:
Some phone carriers have a disability equipment program which offers a number of services and products to assist people with disability. improve telephone accessibility for people with disability. To determine availability and eligibility for this equipment please refer to individual phone carriers.
Equipment and products specific to visual disability available through some phone carrier programs include:
- a range of teletypewriters (TTYs)
- a range of large number pad telephones
- telephone accessories such as large number stickers
- telephone bills in Braille, large print or online for easier viewing.
Directory Assistance:
Most telephone carriers have a directory assistance phone number where either an operator or computer can provide telephone numbers. Some directory assistance lines also offer specialised directory services supplying phone numbers and address information to people with disability who are unable to use the standard directory assistance number.
Directory assistance numbers are also available and for a fee can connect directly to a requested phone number to eliminate the need for dialing, remembering or writing down phone numbers. Exemptions on fees charged are available for this service for eligible customers from some telephone carriers.
Online telephone directories are also available, see the Related Links at the top of the page.
Mobile phones:
Specific mobile phones can now be purchased on which screen magnification or screen reading software can be installed to make them accessible to people with a visual impairment. Software may need to be purchased separate to the phone or the phone may have inbuilt magnification features. Further information on mobile phone screen magnifiers and screen reading software can be viewed at:
Some mobile phones also allow dialing through voice activation by programming the names and telephone numbers of people you frequently call. Speaking the name activates dialing of that number.
Call centres:
Public pay phones:
Many payphones have been upgraded to 'Smart' payphones which include the following for people with disability:
- in-built hearing aid coupler, volume control and a large, easy-to-read display panel
- redial button which redials the last number called automatically
- tactile orientation notch on the '5' key
References
Telstra 2010, Disability services: Additional products and services, Telstra, Victoria , viewed 16 March 2010, <http://www.telstra.com.au/abouttelstra/commitments/disability/additional_products.cfm>.
Vision Australia 2009, Mobile phone recommendations for people who are blind or visually impaired, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 16 March 2010, <http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/info.aspx?page=1502>.
Vision Australia 2007, Using the Telephone, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 16 March 2010, http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/info.aspx?page=855