Telephone users with disabilities - Cognitive impairment

Telephones - What features do disabled people need?

Image of person being handed a telephone.

Cognitive impairments are varied, but may be categorised as memory, perception, problem-solving and conceptualising disabilities. Dyslexia can cause significant problems in remembering even short sequences of numbers in the correct order. People with an intellectual impairment can often function well when they are familiar with the terminal and system, but can be easily confused when required to respond quickly.

Essential Features
Dial-out buffer memory.	Key feedback - audible.
Standard key layouts.	Key feedback - displayed.
Inserting cards or coins.
Desirable Features
Additional earphone.	Key feedback - tactile.
Sidetone reduction.	Keypad not in handset.
Synthetic speech display.	Hands-free operation
Plug-in display.

Disability category links
Hearing impairment - moderate.	Speech impairment - severe.
Hearing impairment - severe.	Limited dexterity.
Deafness.	Limited use of hands/arms.
Visual impairment - moderate.	Weak grip.
Visual impairment - severe.	Hand tremor.
Blindness.	Cognitive impairment.
Deaf-blindness.	Restricted mobility (lower limb).
Speech impairment - moderate.

How disabilities affect telephone use

Users with disabilities - the numbers

User categories and definitions

Telephone Features

Site Map

Home

Published by Royal National Institute of the Blind on behalf of PhoneAbility
supported by Department of Trade and Industry and British telecommunications plc