Adapting the Telephone if Blind or Low Vision

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You’ve probably used the telephone throughout your life without thinking about it very much. This pleasurable activity can become problematic if you’ve experienced recent vision changes. Common telephone problems for adults who are blind or have low vision can include:

• Getting disconnected because you require more than 10 seconds to dial the next digit of a telephone number
• Dialing an incorrect number

If you have low vision, you may find it helpful to place a flexible arm or gooseneck lamp near the telephone to help you see the numbers more clearly.

There are many simple, low-cost solutions that can help you continue to use the telephone with ease and comfort. By using the following tips, techniques, and suggestions, you’ll likely be using your telephone again—with confidence and accuracy—within a very short period.

Learning to Dial by Touch

All telephones use the same arrangement of numbers, whether they have keys or a touch screen. You can practice locating the numbers on the telephone keypad without actually dialing by either (a) not lifting the receiver or (b) not pushing the “phone” button on a cordless telephone.

Please note: For dialing and usage instructions for your smartphone, see Using Cell Phones and Tablets.

• Become familiar with your keypad and begin practicing “touch dialing” by using your free hand’s index, middle, and ring fingers (the hand not holding the telephone) to explore the keypad.
• The keypad has four rows, with three buttons across each row.
• Begin practicing using the “home row” orientation: Use the second row, or numbers 4, 5, and 6, for orientation, placing your middle finger on number 5.
• Place your index finger on number 4, middle finger on number 5, and ring finger on number 6.
• Reach your index finger up to the first row for number 1 and down to the third row for number 7.
• Reach your index finger further down to the fourth row for the * (star) key.
• Reach your middle finger up to the first row for number 2 and down to the third row for number 8.
• Reach your middle finger further down to the fourth row for the number 0.
• Reach your ring finger up to the first row for number 3 and down to the third row for number 9.
• Reach your ring finger further down to the fourth row for the # (pound) key.
• Always return your fingers to the “home row” position before reaching for the following number.
• Try to think ahead to the following number in the dialing sequence before moving your finger to the following key.

Always ask yourself, “Where am I now on the keypad, and where do I want to go?” throughout the dialing sequence. It will likely take some time and practice, but eventually, you can dial a telephone number without even thinking about it!

To help orient yourself to the telephone keypad, mark number 5 with a Loc-Dot, Spot ‘n Line Pen, Hi-Mark Tactile Pen, or other marking material. You can learn more about labeling and marking materials and techniques at Labeling and Marking on this website.

Emergency Help

Please note: In an emergency, you will need to dial “911” to summon emergency services and/or police.

• For finding telephone numbers, you can use phone directory search engines, including the Yellow Pages Directory and 411.com
• AT&T has a Disability and Aging Call Center to assist customers.
• Verizon also has an Accessibility Center.

Helpful Telephone Technology

Speed Dialing

• This service is available from your local telephone company for a monthly fee.
• To use speed dialing, you must pre-program frequently called numbers with short speed dialing codes, such as the “star” key, and an assigned number, such as 1 or 2. No special telephone equipment is required for this service.
• To help you remember who or what number you assigned to various speed-dialing codes, making a chart or list in a form you can use, such as large print or braille is helpful.
• You can also make a duplicate regular or large print version so your family members or friends can access your numbers if needed.

Voice-Activated Telephones

• A voice-activated telephone lets you dial a number by speaking a person’s name (whose number has been pre-programmed) into the phone.
• When you speak the person’s name, the number is dialed automatically.
• Initially, you must “teach” your voice-activated phone to recognize your voice, which may take some time.

Auto-Dial or Programmable Telephones

• Auto-dial telephones allow you to program up to 50 telephone numbers using either the regular keypad or additional buttons.
• When you lift the handset, the auto-dialer scrolls through your contacts list until you hear the name you want to call. The auto-dialer will automatically dial the number for you.
• Some auto-dial telephones allow you to place identifying material under the programmed dialing buttons, such as a photograph or a name in large print, that can act as a “memory jogger.”

Please note: For dialing and usage instructions for your smartphone, see Using Cell Phones and Tablets.

Adapted and Specialty Telephones

Several types of telephones, accessories, and adaptations can be helpful if you are blind or have low vision. For more information about the following products, see the helpful products section links.

• Large Print Telephones: “Big Button” telephones have large black numbers on a white background or large white numbers on a black background.
• Amplified Large Print Telephones: They can increase the volume by 20+ decibels. Some models increase volume up to 40+ decibels. Both models have bright visual ring flashers and an adjustable volume ringer.
• Amplified Talking Telephones with Braille: Have ten programmable buttons (also with braille) for frequently dialed numbers and three emergency buttons. Some models can increase volume up to 37+ decibels and announce each number as dialed.

• Large Print Telephone Push Button Number Stickers: Have 3/4″ by 3/4″ bold black numbers on a white background. They are also available in white numbers on black, black numbers on yellow, and yellow numbers on black.
• Talking Caller ID: Has voice announce, call waiting, volume control, and audio review of the last 10 calls. Also has a digital readout.
• Voice Activated Phone Dialers: Connect to any phone and enable voice-activated dialing. Features can include recall and dialing up to 60 names and phone numbers.
• Please note: Whenever possible, try to select your own telephone instead of asking a family member or friend to select it for you. Also, telephone technology changes frequently, and a specific telephone can change or be updated at any time.

Accessibility: It’s the Law

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 states that telephone companies must make phones (including cell phones) accessible to people with disabilities, including blindness and low vision. Section 255 of the Act applies to all telephone equipment and was created to ensure that you can manage your cordless, wireless, business, or traditional telephone calls just like sighted users can.

Here is a partial list of access features that manufacturers must include in their telephones:

• Keys that are identifiable by touch: a tactile mark on the 5 key, large or color-coded control keys, high-contrast keys, illuminated keys, keys grouped by function
• Accessible displays: high-contrast, large-size with large characters, back-lit, zoom capability, illumination
• Caller identification

For cordless phones:

• Easily identifiable buttons for dial tone or channel selection

For cell phones:

• Audio alert or announcement of signal strength or connection status
• Distinct audible indication of battery status; e.g., low battery, 50% charge, or full charge
• Spoken menus
• A non-visual way to tell whether your phone is on or off

For multi-line phones:

• An adaptation to help you know which line is ringing and which line(s) are on hold

Please note: Many telephones have features that can make them more accessible. That is why it is important to ask the manufacturer of your telephone for a manual in a format you can read independently. You can also ask to have your telephone bill sent to you in large print or, if it’s easier, you can pay your bill online.

Recording Telephone Numbers and Messages

There are a number of ways to keep telephone numbers and record messages, depending upon which reading and writing method you’re most comfortable with. See Signing Your Name and Handwriting If You Are Blind or Have Low Vision – VisionAware and Specialty Reading Sources – VisionAware to learn more about a variety of helpful methods.

Whatever method you choose, it’s a good idea to store your writing materials next to the phone and keep emergency numbers separate (such as doctors, police, and hospitals) so that you can access them quickly.

Using Digital Assistants such as Alexa or Google Home

Alexa can be used for calling individuals if set up through the phone App. You cannot call 911 however.  Google Home can also be used to call your contacts.

Additional Resources for Telephones and Adaptations

If you would like additional instruction in telephone dialing techniques, contact a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist. See Vision Rehabilitation Services and the Directory of Services.

By Maureen A. Duffy, M.S., CVRT