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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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 January 13, 2012.
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