With the increasing availability of accessible cellular phone technologies, telecom service providers are proactively responding to the demand expressed by many blind and partially sighted consumers. A variety of features and products such as speech recognition/output, colour/magnification adjustability, and alternative format instruction manuals allow for blind, deafblind and partially sighted consumers to utilize the full range of available cell phone options, ultimately translating into a greater consumer base for service providers.
Both potential and current users are often engaged in the ongoing conversations surrounding the existence of such technologies, be it to seek relevant information prior to purchasing, or to share personal experiences in an attempt to better educate others. Given their global reach and accessibility, listservs are widely used forums for these types of discussions, where contributors can both applaud and critique accessible devices and software currently offered.
I personally have been planning to upgrade my accessible phone and found the following discussion forums provide a unique perspective into the end users personal experiences and subjective feedback on existing technology in the marketplace.
- Electronics-talk - Discussion of accessible electronics and appliances
- The Blind Users LGVXPhones group
- Blindphones - The Accessible Phones Discussion List
- Blind-Mobile - Blind Mobile Phone or Device Users
- TalksUsers.com
If you are a service provider offering accessible phones for blind, deafblind and partially sighted consumers, I highly recommend you join and visit these discussion forums often, as they may provide some insight into conversations around your organization’s product and service offers.
