Telephones - What features do disabled people need?
Visual Impairment - severe. 6,000 per milion.

 

Image of macular degeneration.

Severe visual impairments give problems in performing any visual task. Even locating the telephone may be a difficult matter.

Persons with severe visual impairments often need to get very close to the item they are trying to see. Large character high contrast displays that avoid glare help considerably.

Macular degeneration can result in loss of central vision

 

Essential Features
Enlarged keys. Dial-out buffer memory.
Visual contrast key legends. High contrast display.
Standard key layouts. VDU text adjustable.

Large character display.

Key feedback - audible.

Tactile key markers.  
Desirable Features

Guarded/recessed keys.

Synthetic speech display.
Tactile Display. 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.  

 

 

 

 

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supported by Department of Trade and Industry and British telecommunications plc

 

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