This section of the Website outlines 44 features that can be added in selected combinations to a telephone terminal to make a real difference to disabled people.

For each feature, the relevance to different impairment groups is described.

Remote answering

Remote answering has not been added to the list of features because there are already several solutions to the problem currently available. However, there is an evident lack of awareness, and a possible need for a more elegant solution.

Many users are caused inconvenience, and sometimes distress, when they cannot reach the telephone before the ringing signal ceases. This is particularly so for elderly people and those with restricted mobility. A remote answering facility would be very helpful for this problem.

A single key '1471' facility, available on at least one commercial terminal, is likely to be helpful.

Mobile or cordless telephones, or an answer machine with a "do not hang up" message option, offer more costly solutions, as does the installation of more terminals.

Feature rating

Each feature is given a rating. Some features are essential, others are desirable, and others are highly desirable when the technology becomes available.

Rating Key:

• • • Essential

• • Desirable

• Highly desirable when the technology becomes available.

The additional cost of adding features

Shown below each feature is one of four cost categories. These define the estimated additional cost for providing a feature to an ordinary domestic telephone. The cost assumes that the feature is part of the initial design concept for a telephone and is included at all subsequent design stages. The cost does not allow for the inclusion of any additional external device.