Mobile phones recommendations for people who are blind or vision impaired
The following information is aimed to assist people who are blind or have low vision to find a suitable mobile phone that meets their needs - whether you want a mobile phone just for emergencies or for using a broader range of features such as text messaging, accessing phone numbers and using the calendar.
We encourage you to shop around and try before you buy. Most dealers have demonstration phones to try out in the shop. Make sure you have an opportunity to try out the various phones to find the one that is easiest for you to use.
Features to look out for
Below is a list of features to look out for in mainstream phones available from the various mobile phone dealers which will make them easier to use for some who is blind or has low vision.
Keypad buttons
- Buttons that make a noise when pressed.
- Buttons that can be felt individually. Look for buttons that are large, well spaced and are raised, i.e. not flush with the surface. A tactile marker on the number 5 button is also helpful.
- Buttons that are large enough. People who are blind may need space for a tactual marker (bump-on, velcro, Braille label, nail-polish, puff paint or Loc-dot).
- Buttons that light up to enhance contrast.
- People with low vision will benefit from buttons with good contrast and clear print. They may like to draw contrast outlines around the buttons. Different coloured covers can be purchased for some phones to enhance contrast.
Screen
- Phones with colour screens tend to offer better contrast. They also allow you to adjust the brightness and other display settings like colour scheme to improve contrast (eg. blue instead of orange).
- Large print fonts are available in some phones. This is sometimes called the "Large Font" feature.
Dialling and memory
- Check that "Contacts" can be accessed easily with only one or two button presses.
- Speed dials are where commonly used telephone numbers can be programmed into the number pad of the phone so that dialling can take place with one or two button presses.
- Voice dialling is where the phone recognises the person's name when you say it (and automatically rings the number from the memory.) The recording has to be very clear and the person using the phone also has to be very clear as it tends not to work in a noisy surrounding.
- A phone that speaks back to you when you select a number from the "Contacts" list. Most phones will not speak back the number being dialled, but some can speak the person's name as well as other prompts such as "please say name", or "now dialling".
Other features
- Not too small to hold or to find in your bag.
- Size of the screen is not important for a person who is blind, but size of the print and clarity is important for a person with low vision
- Does not turn on accidentally. Look for a keypad lock or a lid that flips over to protect the keys.
- Ease of answering and hanging up. A flip cover that opens to answer and closes to hang up is easiest, or an obvious button to press with a sound signal. On some phones any button (except the button to hang up) can be pressed to answer a call.
- For people who like to write text messages but can't see the letters on the numbers it may be easier to refer to a large print template. The last page of this factsheet is an example of a template that might assist you.
Carriers (eg.Telstra, Vodafone, Optus)
A decision will need to be made whether to use a prepaid card system or to be billed. The carriers have various options about the cost of calls. Some mobile phones come free of charge with some contracts; otherwise the phone of your choice can be purchased upfront.
Accessible mobile phones
Apple iPhone 3GS
This is a touch screen (3G) mobile phone with a built in screen reader (VoiceOver) and screen magnifier (Zoom). It allows a person who is blind or has low vision to use the phone without purchasing extra software.
By using special finger gestures on the touch screen, one can fully access all functions and applications of the phone including dialling, SMS, voice mail, and applications such as the inbuilt iPod, calendar, web browser (Safari), and email (mail).
As this is an alternative method of using a mobile phone (touch screen verses physical keypad), it does take some time to get used to. But once a person is used to this method of access, it is straightforward.
The iPhone comes in either a 16GB or 32GB version for storage and does not impact upon the performance of either VoiceOver or Zoom.
This phone can be bought outright from approximately $800 (depending on which model you buy) or can be purchased on a plan from most mobile carriers
Oricom Ezy 100 big button mobile phone
This mobile phone is a basic (2G) large number and large display phone. It has no extras like a camera, calendar, games or MP3 player. It only allows you to make and receive phone calls, send and receive text messages and keep your contacts listed. This phone also features: hearing aid compatibility and an emergency call switch.
This phone can be bought outright (no plans) from Vision Australia Equipment Solutions for approximately $250.
Owasys talking mobile phone
In addition, a talking mobile phone is available called the Owasys 22C. This is especially made for people who are blind and does not have a screen like traditional mobile phones.
The speech is inbuilt and of poor quality. However, a person can get used to it over time and the phone is quite user friendly with an easy to use keypad layout. It is priced at about $800 but can be purchased by instalments from the supplier.
This price includes the cost of the phone and the speech program within the Owasys 22C. For more information email the supplier: info@carant.com.au.
Screen reading and screen magnification software for mobile phones
TALKS/Zooms
Costs approximately $320 and is available from Vision Australia Equipment Solutions
Mobile Speak/Mobile magnifier
Costs approximately $295 for Mobile Speak and approximately $220 for Mobile Magnifier and is available from Optek Systems. Call (02) 9680 0600.
These screen reading and screen magnification applications are available for Symbian based Series 60 or Series 80 mobile phones (for example, the Nokia N96).
These applications allow mainstream mobile phones that use the Symbian operating system to be accessed by someone who is blind or has low vision. These applications are purchased in addition to the cost of the mobile phone. Unfortunately, many of the phones that these applications work on are quite expensive (approximately $400 - $1000) and usually have poor keypad layouts that may limit their usability so it wise to shop around.
Demonstration software is available for these two applications so that you can trial how it works on your mobile phone.
Find out more
- Contact Vision Australia on 1300 84 74 66 (1300 VISION)
This page last updated: 16 September 2009