Cell Phone Accessibility
Cell phones have revolutionized life for most people, but for people with vision loss, finding a cell phone that they can use is nearly impossible. For example, features such as keys that can be identified by touch, displays that can be read by people with limited vision and phones with speech output for people who cannot read the phone's display are not widely available. Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires cell phones and phone services to be designed to be accessible for people with disabilities. However, far too many cell phone manufacturers and carriers are not taking seriously their accessibility obligation.
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Access on Hold: Cell Phones and the Law |
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To focus attention on the need for cell phone accessibility, AFB has launched the Cell Phone Accessibility Project. Here you will find
- information about Section 255;
- what you should expect from a usable cell phone;
- information about available cell phones with features that make them more usable by people with vision loss;
- information about strategies that consumers can use to advocate for phones that meet their needs;
If you are not able to find a phone you can use you can file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). We provide information about how to file a complaint with the FCC.
We will continue to update this page, so please include it in your favorites and also consider sending us an e-mail at 255action@afb.net.
What's New
Verizon Announces the Availability of TALKS™ for Verizon Wireless
March 12, 2009. Verizon announced today the availability of TALKS™ for Verizon Wireless—a new assistive technology that converts displayed text into highly intelligible speech for Verizon Wireless customers who are blind or visually impaired. Available initially on MOTO™ Q 9c smartphones beginning March 15, TALKS for Verizon Wireless supports audio feedback for writing and reading text messages, e-mail and notes. To find out more, read Verizon's press release.
Cell Phone Accessibility Overview
This cell phone accessibility overview was prepared by the AFB Technical Center in Huntington (AFBTECH), WV.
Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996
American Foundation for the Blind
Cell Phone Accessibility Expectations of Consumers with Vision Loss
Selected Articles on Cell Phone Accessibility from AccessWorld®
AFB's Blog
People with vision loss can't use most cell phones. It's time to change that.
More on AFB's Campaign to Make Cell Phones Accessible
NY Times Helps Publicize Accessibility Issues
This page was updated on April 1, 2009.