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Accessible phones: Are there phones that are designed for users with hearing and vision impairments?

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Are there phones that are designed for users with hearing and vision impairments?

Question

Main focus is communication. I am severely hearing and vision impaired. I am in need of a phone that is accessible to me.

Our answer

Products mentioned in our answer below are provided to inform you about the types of technologies available and have not been evaluated by CanAssist. They may or may not be appropriate for your particular situation. Some technologies and devices may require an in-person assessment. Speak with your health care provider for additional information and support.

It is essential to have an accessible phone in the home. There are plenty of phones designed for people with hearing impairments, and plenty for those with visual impairments. Thankfully, there are a few products that have been designed for users with both hearing and visual impairments.

  • JF11W Big Button Corded Phone by JeKaVis (at Walmart) is designed with for users with vision and hearing impairments. It is an amplified phone that features extra large keys and a flashing ringer. This product can purchased online through amazon.ca. It costs about $55 to $75 (CDN), plus additional shipping fees.
  • FC-1507 Big Button Phone by Future Call is an amplified landline phone that is hearing aid compatible and can boost sound up to 40 decibels. It features large clear buttons and a flashing ringer. It costs about $40 (USD), plus additional shipping fees.

When the phone rings it can be challenging for some to hear even the loudest ringer. Both landline and cellphone can be used with a signalling device. These products that translate a ringer into a flashing light or a vibration. We have listed a few options below:

  • Amplified Ringer with Strobe, by KrownKRN-K-RA-005 Amplified Ringer with Strobe by Krown (at Amazon Canada) is a landline telephone accessory that features a louder ring and a bright flashing strobe light. The ringer volume can go up to 120 decibels. This product costs about $70 (CDN), plus additional shipping fees.
  • RF200 Cell & Landline Alert Device by Serene Innovations (at Diglo) is a station that alerts users of incoming calls –either from a cell phone or a landline. The device uses bright flashing lights to alert the user. A cellphone can be placed on the device while set to vibrate, and that phone’s vibration triggers the alert. For landlines, a cable can be plugged directly into the device. This product costs about $65 (USD), plus additional shipping fees.
  • RAZ Mobile MiniVision2 Phone (at RAZ Mobity) is an unlocked phone which is GSM network compatible and compatible with most of the carriers in Canada. The talking voice guide provides someone who is blind with the ability to use every feature of the phone. The large tactile buttons allow users to navigate the phone with ease. The phone costs about $310 (USD), plus additional shipping fees.

You may also be interested in these responses to other questions submitted to Ability411:

Phones for reduced vision: Where can I find a phone for someone whose eyesight is failing?

Personal sound amplifier: What device will help my grandfather hear better in certain situations?

Are there phones users can answer by using only their voice?

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