Staying Connected: Choosing a Cell Phone

When you're planning to get a new mobile phone, you might wonder which one is the best for your level of vision.

Well, it turns out the answer to that question is, it depends. It depends on what you need, what you like, and how you're going to use it.

To help you select the mobile phone that works best for you, let's take a look at the different features you might want from a phone, and then we'll look at the kinds of phones that offer them.

The first step, is to think about what you want to use the phone for. Do you plan to just make and receive calls? Do you want a phone that lets you do things, like email and text? Or maybe you want a phone that can do just about anything?

Keep in mind, having access to more features can be handy, but that also means you'll have more items to move through when you're looking for the features you want. Deciding what you really want from a phone helps you strike the right balance between keeping it simple, and having plenty of options.

Next, think about how you want to use your phone. Do you want to be able to feel the buttons? Some phones have raised buttons and markings. Do you want to look at the screen while you're using it? Some have options for larger text screen magnification, and different settings for contrast. Or do you want the phone to read options and text out loud, and respond to your voice commands?

Some phones can do that too. It's also good to consider what you like about your current phone, and whether you want to stick with something familiar, or you might be interested in learning how to use a new phone with new features.

It's completely up to you. And finally, before you buy a phone, and sign up with a cell provider, check to see whether that provider has good reception where you'll be using the phone. It's usually not a problem in cities and populated areas, but if you live away from town, reception could be an issue.

You can ask family and friends what company they use, and ask if their phone works well at your home, and in your area. Now, let's take a look at the different options available, including accessibility features.

These are design features that help people with vision loss, use the phone. We'll look at three types of phones, flip phones, specialty phones, and smartphones, so you can think about what's right for you.

Flip phones are some of the most basic phones available. They fold in half, and when you flip them open, one side has the display screen, and the other side has the dial pad and buttons. Flip phones often cost less than other options, so they can be a great choice if all you want to do is make phone calls, or if you want to access just a few features, like text messaging, or a voice recorder.

If you're shopping for a flip phone, you'll want to ask about the accessibility features that are right for you. For example, find out if a phone offers larger text on the screen, or a menu that's read out loud, and whether the keypad is easy to see, or to use by touch.

Check out the resources for links to several flip phones with handy accessibility features that might be a good match for you, and always feel free to reach out to a Hadley learning expert too. Now, let's look at specialty phones, like the Blindshell, made specifically for blind and low vision users.

These are designed to be accessible, and they offer some special features and services. Specialty phones usually offer more features than you'll find on a regular flip phone.

For example, some let you take notes, use email, listen to a podcast, or read a book. And some have additional features, like identifying money, using YouTube or Alexa, or connecting to a cited volunteer, using the phone's camera. Pricing on specialty phones varies quite a bit.

Be sure to ask whether there are discounts, or special packages for people who are blind or visually impaired. For example, you might be able to eliminate the cost of operator assisted calls, if you provide a note from your doctor.

Check out the resources for links to some specialty phones and information about their features. If you're looking for a phone that can do just about anything, the third type to consider, is a smartphone.

Using a smartphone, is like having a small computer in your hand. It offers the ability to access the web, and plenty of different apps, including email, and social media, maps that give you walking directions, and a lot more. Both iPhones and Android phones, the two basic types of smartphones, have flat screens instead of buttons for the dialpad, but they offer plenty of accessibility features, whether you're using your phone visually, or listening to the options and using voice commands.

If you're new to a smartphone, there can be a lot to learn, but you'll find a lot of great resources too. Check out Hadley's workshops for Android phones, or for the iPhone and iPad. And if you're looking for technical support, see the resource section for a handout, with some helpful links and phone numbers.

No matter what kind of phone you're looking for, there's an option that meets your needs. With a little planning, you can decide what you want, understand what questions to ask, and find the phone that's right for you.

As always, if you need more information, or you've got your own tips to share, contact a Hadley learning expert. We are always happy to help.