Blind or Visually Impaired

Features

Wireless devices are making day-to-day living easier and can greatly improve life for people who are blind or visually impaired. From features that convert text to speech to customizable displays, the possibilities and benefits are nearly endless.

So what’s available? Here are accessibility features that can be built in to make wireless products and services easier for you to use.

• Alternate formats - Simply ask if the product information and billing can be provided in alternate formats like Braille, large print and audiocassette.
• Audio, Visual and Vibrating Features - You can assign specific audible, visual, and vibrating alerts for functions like incoming calls or messages, calendar events and confirming keyboard inputs. You can also assign, create, purchase and download distinctive ringtones at a frequency you can hear more easily.
• Braille Keyboards - Some Braille keyboards connect with wireless devices via Bluetooth® technology to allow users to write e-mails and text messages.
• Customizable Displays -Adjust a wireless device’s screen for better contrast, illumination, larger font size, and to “zoom” in and magnify.
• Magnifiers - Use a phone’s built-in camera or magnifier software to zoom-in on written text or objects.
• Tactile Keys - These specially marked keys help you position your fingers for specific functions like volume control, on/off, shortcuts for speed dialing, assignable ringtones and alerts or automatic answering. Predictive text and auto text features also help you quickly enter information.
• Voice Control - Simply use your voice to make a call, play music, enter text or find a contact.
• Voice Output -Voice Output features “speak” to you, offering information like battery level, Wi-Fi and cellular network signal levels, incoming calls or messages and contacts.

If a cell phone doesn’t come with a built-in accessibility feature, ask a wireless carrier representative if it can be customized by downloading applications, or “apps.” Third-party developers may offer wireless device apps that add screen readers, text-to-speech, magnifiers, and voice control services. It’s also a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional or wireless carrier representative about accessibility accessories and compatibility with Assistive Technology (AT), such as Braille keyboards.

Resources

• American Council of the Blind - The American Council of the Blind is the nation's leading membership organization of blind and visually impaired people. It was founded in 1961 and incorporated in the District of Columbia. The Council strives to improve the well-being of all blind and visually impaired people by: serving as a representative national organization of blind people; elevating the social, economic and cultural levels of blind people; improving educational and rehabilitation facilities and opportunities; cooperating with the public and private institutions and organizations concerned with blind services; encouraging and assisting all blind persons to develop their abilities and conducting a public education program to promote greater understanding of blindness and the capabilities of blind people. www.acb.org/index.html
• American Foundation for the Blind - The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that expands possibilities for people with vision loss. AFB's priorities include broadening access to technology; elevating the quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss; and promoting independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and timely resources. AFB's work in these areas is supported by the strong presence the organization maintains in Washington, DC, ensuring the rights and interests of people with vision loss are represented in our nation's public policies. AFB also publishes AccessWorld® a montly publication with reviews and suggestions for accessible products. www.afb.org
• National Federation of the Blind - The National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves blind people’s lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence.  It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind.  In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind.Discover the products, programs, and initiatives of NFB's Technology Center which have been developed to help blind people achieve full participation in society.  www.nfb.org 
• Wireless RERC - Funded since 2001, the Wireless RERC (Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center) has become a recognized leader on issues and solutions related to the accessibility and usability of mobile wireless products and services by people with disabilities. The Wireless RERC's mission is to promote equitable access to and use of wireless technologies by people with disabilities and encourage the adoption of Universal Design in future generations of wireless devices and applications. www.wirelessrerc.org; www.mywirelessreview.com
• World Institute on Disability- An internationally recognized public policy center founded in 1983 by leaders of the Independent Living Movement, WID's program work focuses on issues and problems that directly affect people’s ability to live full and independent lives. The mission of the World Institute on Disability (WID) in communities and nations worldwide is to eliminate barriers to full social integration and increase employment, economic security and health care for persons with disabilities. WID creates innovative programs and tools; conducts research, public education, training and advocacy campaigns; and provides technical assistance. www.wid.org/