Mobile phones are continually advancing their technology and being made more accessible for individuals with disability. Many mobile phones now also offer additional services or functions above and beyond just being able to make standard telephone calls. It is usually these additional functions that enable the phones to be used more easily by people with disability. Such functions can include:
- speaker phone—allows hands free conversations
- caller ID with photo option
- voice dialling—allows numbers to be dialled using voice
- one touch or speed dialling—allows numbers to be dialled at the touch of a button
- texting—allows short messages to be sent
- multimedia messaging service—allows picture messages to be sent
- Bluetooth—allows other devices to connect to mobile phone via wireless technology
- Infrared—allows mobile phone to be paired with other devices such as computers
- camera—captures pictures and stores them, also allows video calls if mobile phone has software to support this
- GPS—provides a mobile map service
- email—allows user to send and receive emails via mobile phone
- internet—allows user to access the internet via phone service provider
- additional software—some phones are able to provide screen reader programs, plus many more programs.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Mobile phones are often required to be used as part of a person’s work role. An employer should provide a mobile phone for an employee when it is required for them to be able to carry out their work tasks. In the instance that a mobile phone is required due to a person’s work needs relating to disability, funding may be available through the Employment Assistance Fund. See below for eligibility criteria:
Mobile phones can assist people with varying disabilities to communicate both inside and outside the workplace with more ease due to the advancements in mobile telephony technology.
Hearing
People who use hearing aids or cochlear implants may find that they experience some interference when using their mobile phone. This is due to the type of radio signals used by both pieces of equipment. Generally GSM phones cause more interference than 3G or CDMA phones. A hearing aid user can use the microphone or telecoil setting on their device to allow them to hear a phone conversation. If interference still occurs they may need to use an inductive neck loop, T-link or hands free kit. See the links below for more information:
People with hearing difficulties may benefit from using a mobile phone with the following functions:
- text messaging—allows short messages to be sent if unable to hear caller
- multimedia messaging
- bluetooth—enables pairing with devices which enhance sound quality and provide amplification
- internet—allows instant messaging which can provide a written conversation in real time
- vibrating alert—provides tactile alert for incoming messages and calls
- camera and software—allows video calling, useful for those who communicate using Auslan
- TTY mode—some mobile phones have capability to function as telephone typewriters.
Cognition
People with cognitive difficulties may benefit from the following functions on a mobile phone:
- caller ID with photo option—good for people with cognitive difficulties, allows them to recognise who is on the phone
- speed dialling—avoids the need to look up telephone numbers
- menu prompts and cues—help to guide through menus
- reminder function—allows reminders of upcoming events to be set in calendar and provides an audible tone to alert user to reminder; for instance medication reminders
- camera—enable user to take a picture of a particular item and send in a message if not able to explain details verbally to colleagues
- GPS—enable individuals who are unable to read a map to locate their position and accurately navigate to a set destination.
Vision
People with vision impairment may be able to use a mobile phone with the following functions:
- large buttons—enable individual with low vision to view buttons more easily
- tactile markers on the keypad—allow easier navigation of keys
- recessed keys—avoid wrong key being pushed by accident
- adjustable font size
- adjustable screen contrast and brightness
- screen reading software—available on some mobile phone models which allow text messages and phone functions to be read out loud to user.
Bills and other information are available in other formats such as Braille or online. Online bills can then be viewed using computer software such as screen readers if required.
Further information regarding mobile phones for the blind or vision impaired is available at the link below:
Motor skills
People who experience difficulty with gross and fine motor skills may benefit from using a mobile phone with the following functions:
- recessed keys—avoid wrong key being pushed by accident
- speed dialling—allows user to dial numbers with touch of one or two buttons
- voice dialling—avoids the need to key in phone numbers
- speaker phone—avoids the need to hold the phone during a conversation
- hands free headset—avoids the need to hold the phone during a conversation but allows more privacy than using a speaker phone
- predictive text—allows words to be typed using less keys
- automatic answer—answers calls after a selected number of rings
- voice recognition—allows phone functions to be operated using voice commands.
References
Apple 2011, Accessibility solutions for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, Apple Inc, Sydney, viewed 27 May 2011, http://www.apple.com/au/accessibility/resources/iphone.html.
Apple 2011, Accessibility: Vision, Apple Inc, Sydney, viewed 27 May 2011, http://www.apple.com/au/accessibility/iphone/vision.html.
Apple 2011, Accessibility: Hearing, Apple Inc, Sydney, viewed 27 May 2011, http://www.apple.com/au/accessibility/iphone/hearing.html.
Apple 2011, Accessibility: Physical and motor skills, Apple Inc, Sydney, viewed 27 May 2011, http://www.apple.com/au/accessibility/iphone/physical.html.
Australian Hearing 2010, Hearing aids and mobile phones, Australian Hearing, Chatswood, viewed 8 September 2010, http://www.hearing.com.au/digitalAssets/5325_1193977826416_Hearing aids and mobile phones_final.pdf.
Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (no date specified), Mobile phone features explained, Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association, Manuka, viewed 27 May 2011, http://www.amta.org.au/pages/Mobile.Phone.Features.Explained.
Mobile Accessibility (no date specified), Device Details, Mobile Accessibility, Online, viewed 27 May 2011, http://www.mobileaccessibility.info/device.cfm?lang=eng.
Nokia 2010, Hearing aid compatibility with digital wireless devices, Nokia, Helsinki, viewed 27 May 2011, http://www.nokiaaccessibility.com/hac.html.
Nokia 2010, Textphones, Nokia, Helsinki, viewed 27 May 2011, http://www.nokiaaccessibility.com/textphones.html.
Word of Mouth Technology 2011, Mobile phone accessories, Word of Mouth Technology, Boronia, viewed 27 May 2011, http://www.wom.com.au/category.php?id=45.