Cell phone manufacturers are required under law to make cell phones accessible for all, including those with disabilities. Those affected by vision impairment or blindness often have a difficult time finding cell phones. They need phones that are accessible to them and that can read the news and the Web to them. Visually impaired individuals can also get news read over their phone by consulting BND and Radio Time, which shows a list of stations that play news over the phone. Another option is the VICUG, a New York-based group that ensures the blind still get their daily news, especially in the event of a major crisis.
Code Factory is another option for those with vision problems. Code Factory offers a screen magnifier and a mobile speak program. The magnifier increases the size of the words on the screen, while the speaking program translates words and numbers into speech patterns. Those interested can contact the company through the mail at Code Factory S.L., Rambla Egara 148 2-2, o8221 – Terrassa (Barcelona), SPAIN, or through email at info@codefactory.es.
Nuance is another option for those with vision problems. Nuance makes a program that turns written words on the cell phone screen into speech. It also works with news and weather, as well as other types of information the user looks up on their phone. Users can contact them through the mail at Worldwide Headquarters, 1 Wayside Road, Burlington, MA 01803, or over the phone at 781-565-5000.
Some may prefer Oasys . This company, based in Spain, specializes in making cell phones for those with disabilities, including vision impairments. Their telephone number is 34 946 025 323. They make several phones for the blind with reading capabilities.
Beyond Sight, Inc is another option. This company makes a wide variety of products for the blind and several that work with cell phones. They offer screen magnifiers, as well as speech readers that work with most styles of cell phones. Users can contact them over the phone at 303-795-6455 or through the mail at Beyond Sight Inc, 5650 S. Windamere St., Littleton, Colorado 80120-1240.
Those with Sprint service can track down several different phones for the blind. The Motorola ic 502, ic 602, and ic 902 all contain helpful resources for the blind. Contact Sprint over the phone at 888-211-4727 or through the mail at 6391 Sprint Parkway, Overland Park Kansas 66251-4300.
Those interested also have the option of using the Nokia N82 cell phone. This phone changes from a regular cell phone to a reader phone with just the touch of a few buttons. The only downside is that it isn’t yet available in the United States, only in Europe. Users can contact Nokia directly with questions about this phone at 1-888-NOKIA-2U.
Verizon Wireless began making cell phones with the hearing impaired in mind, beginning in 2009. This system is known as TALKS. Verizon Wireless gives more information about this system. Those interested can also contact them directly through their toll-free number at 1-800-922-0204 or contact them through email at Brenda.Raney@VerizonWireless.com. The program even reads text messages aloud for those who need them.
LG is also known for its cell phones that help those who are blind or have a visual impairment. They make several phones, including the VX8350, VX8300, and VX5200, all with different prices. The phones allow blind users to set up the phones to tell them who’s calling or the number of the last call, as well as other features. LG lists information on these and other phones. Users can also call 1-800-243-0000 or contact them through the mail at LG Electronics Alabama, Inc. P.O. Box 240007 Huntsville, AL 35813. These cell phones help get the news and web read to the blind and visually impaired over the phone. All they have to do is point their phone browser to the right page and instantly get the information read to them.