Fixed and mobile telephone equipment, features and services
Size of text: Some telephones and mobile handsets have larger than normal screens which can display large text. The size of text can be adjusted, which is important to people with impaired vision.
Screen contrast: Certain telephones and mobile handsets have screens with higher colour contrast than others. There are also telephones which have screens where the contrast can be adjusted, making them particularly suitable for use by visually impaired people.
Volume: Volume on some telephones can be adjusted higher than on others. Most have adjustable volume levels.
Rapid/direct dialling buttons: With some telephones and mobile handsets you can associate different numbers with specific buttons, so that by pressing the button, the number is dialled automatically. Some telephones have buttons with special symbols (for example doctor, police etc.).
Big button telephones: Some telephones and mobile handsets have big buttons and keys, making them easier for visually impaired people and people who find it difficult to use small buttons.
Voice- activated dialling: Certain mobile telephones can make calls using voice commands. In other words, instead of dialling the number, the user only needs to say the name of the person they want to call (provided the number is stored in the telephone’s list of contacts).
Voice-activated menus: This feature, which is available on some mobile handsets, provides access to menus through voice commands. This means that users who cannot read the text on the screen can still access most of the phone’s features
Sound amplifiers: Telephones and mobile handsets with amplifiers can be very useful for the hard of hearing.
Equipment for emergency calls: Devices which make it easy to call for assistance. They have an emergency button which when pressed will call numbers which the user has pre-programmed (calling the pre-programmed numbers successively until an answer is obtained).
Tele-alarm service: This service enables provision of rapid assistance to people at risk and/or people who are isolated. It works using the telephone and an alarm button which the user normally wears around their neck. An alarm call is made automatically to an assistance centre run by the Portuguese Red Cross, which assesses the situation and arranges a suitable response.
Text messages (SMS) to voice: This feature converts text messages to voice, so that the recipient can listen to messages instead of having to read them. This feature is useful for people who cannot read or have difficult reading the screen on mobile phones.
Internet: services and features
Text conversion into voice: This is a screen reading programme which lets users listen to the information is displayed on the computer’s, monitor, including information from the Internet. Text can be heard clearly and out loud.
