New Cell Phones Serve the Visually Impaired
Rebecca Wanjiku, IDG News Service
In an effort to be more inclusive, Vodacom Group has launched speaking phones
for customers who are blind or partially sighted.
"Vodacom is proud to increase accessibility to cellular communication products
and services in line with the specific needs initiative launched in 2004,"
said Dot Field, chief communications officer of Vodacom Group.
The phones are loaded with text-to-speech software that converts the
information displayed on the cell phone screen to speech, including text
messages and
contact lists. The software enables the user to check other information,
including battery life and signal strength.
"Vodacom Speaking Phone users will not pay extra for the text-to-speech
software, as Vodacom has subsidized this cost," Field said.
"As a disabled person, I understand how important independence, accessibility
and mobility is," said Karen Smit, senior specialist for Specific Needs and
Employment Equity at Vodacom Group.
"I think this is the coolest thing," said Judy Okite from Kenya. "It is high
time we saw more initiatives like this."
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Thanks to all for making the convention successful; thanks also to Blind
Person's Association for the whole hearted support.
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