[NA]Need a phone for the blind

[Let'sgoflying!]

I have a client who could not reach me last night....because she could not see the phone to dial the number. It was truly heartbreaking. I would like to help her.
I did a quick google, 'phone for the blind' but didn't find what I think she needs.
At first I thought, well she could just use the speed dial on an ordinary phone.....but she can't see well enough to find the right combination of buttons.
Then I figured get one with huge buttons, but the problem is she cannot see a number that is written down- so unless she memorizes a bunch of phone numbers that won't help her either.
How about a talking phone? She could say, "Call John" and it would call a pre-programmed number.

Ideas welcomed.
Is there not a state-service that will connect a visually impaired person with anyone they want?

 

[ScottM]

Two places.

First is this tech site http://www.etoengineering.com/

The 2nd one is http://www.horizons-blind.org/
If Hap Holly is still working there talk to him. He is a blind ham radio guy that I know.

 

[mikea]

They just mentioned on MacBreak that Apple has put in a lot of accessibility support into the iPod Touch and iPhone including support for a USB and Bluetooth Braille displays in VoiceOver:
On iPhone: http://www.apple.com/accessibility/iphone/vision.html

On Mac OS X: http://www.apple.com/accessibility/voiceover/devicesupport.html

 

[steingar]

My suegra memorized a whole bunch of phone numbers, and we used tactile paint to mark the outsized buttons on her phone. Could certainly be a techier way to do it.

 

[Let'sgoflying!]

Big stumbling block.
No cell service at this sweet, elderly lady's ranch home.
So one link (above) is out. I emailed the other one, no answer yet.
Keep sending ideas.

 

[mikea]

They just mentioned on MacBreak that Apple has put in a lot of accessibility support into the iPod Touch and iPhone including support for a USB and Bluetooth Braille displays in VoiceOver:
On iPhone: http://www.apple.com/accessibility/iphone/vision.html

On Mac OS X: http://www.apple.com/accessibility/voiceover/devicesupport.html

I just re-watched and found out that I missed the point that VoiceOver will read the screen to you, and that even works on an iPhone.

How about a Macbook or Mac Mini with VoiceOver and using Skype or Google Voice to handle phone calls?

 

[Let'sgoflying!]

a computer would be a big step up for this lady....I was thinking more of "Push this big button to get me"
Thanks for continued ideas!

 

[mikea]

a computer would be a big step up for this lady....I was thinking more of "Push this big button to get me"
Thanks for continued ideas!

Program your number on the big button
http://www.google.com/products?q=big+button+phone&hl=en&aq=f

 

[Let'sgoflying!]

How about a Red Phone?
Just pick it up and it dials me!

 

[Everskyward]

How about a talking phone? She could say, "Call John" and it would call a pre-programmed number.

How about something like this?

http://www.assistech.com/cgi-bin/shopper.cgi?preadd=action&key=AP5000

The Able Phone Voice Activated Dialer is perfect for the blind, partially sighted and those with limited motion control. Simply pick up the handset and tell the phone what name to dial! Easy to install - simply connect the Voice Activated Dialer between your regular--corded or cordless--phone and the phone line. Just like you would connect an answering machine.

 

[jesse]

Dave - you're looking for a "voice activated dialer" there are lots of them out there.

They don't give 'em away sadly...
http://www.maxiaids.com/products/30...dium=organic&utm_campaign=Froogle&idAff=15225

 

[SCCutler]

The voice-activated dialing is cool - assuming she can get over the hurdle of programming and making the beast understand her.

How about this? http://www.assistech.com/cgi-bin/shopper.cgi?preadd=action&key=JV35

 

[Let'sgoflying!]

Thanks gang, I got her interested in some of these. Thankfully she is not also destitute.