Public telephones need to be usable by the whole community. Some design features, which make them easier to use by everyone, are essential for people with disabilities.

Reduction in ambient noise level is very important in city environments, particularly for persons with impaired hearing.

Lighting should be designed to ensure that interactive areas are adequately lit but should not cause glare or reflections on the screen.

Instructions should be displayed using clear legible type, and should be concise and simple.

Card and coin entry slots should be designed to guide the items in place. This is especially helpful for persons with low vision or poor manual dexterity.

For blind people and persons with low vision it is important that the layout of keys, including function keys, is kept to a standard arrangement.

A surface for writing or placing address books, etc. can be very helpful for everybody.

Keys should be shaped to make it easy for persons with poor manual dexterity to correctly activate buttons.

Wheelchair users need floor surfaces to be level. Also card and coin entry points, and keypads need to be easy to reach.

A notch (in accordance to ITU E136) can help users insert the card in the correct orientation.

A fold down seat may help a disabled or elderly person.