Mobile Phones
Mobile phones are very useful for people with low vision and there are plenty of models to choose from with different levels of functionality.
If a mobile is primarily required for making phone calls, a simple phone with basic functions is ideal. It should have large, high contrast keys and display, loud ring tones and emergency call functions. Some phones can be personalised to have just a few pre-programmed numbers that are accessible at the push of a single button.
If a mobile phone is needed for additional functions, select a model with screen reader software. The phone will then speak all of the information on the screen, including contacts, caller information and text messages. It should also have a screen enlargement function, to increase the font size on the screen, and a high contrast display panel for easier reading.
Smart Phones, such as the Apple iPhones, have a broad range of features including functions to support people with low vision. Some of these features are magnification and speech accessibility for voice navigation commands.
In addition to the usual tools of phone, email and web accessibility, smart phones can provide GPS navigation and support applications such as talking books.