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Display Phones
Phones with oversized or larger than normal display screens are an excellent choice for those with vision problems. Large display phones come with numerous options like a backlit display, scrolling lines of information, index searching and push-to-call options. When integrated with other display options it can allow those with hand limitations and vision problems the ability to communicate with ease as well as a feeling of ease in their home.
Cellular phone companies like Motorola, Kyocera, Panasonic and Nextel are offering phones with micro and macro screens. The macro, or large display, allows for easy recognition of incoming calls as well as when dialing out. Combined with easy to operate oversized buttons, the large display screens are allowing older adults the freedom to use a cellular phone to stay in touch with family when they are out of the house.
Caller ID displays can be extremely hard to read regardless of your vision level. Home based and cellular phone displays allow you a few contrast options to choose from to lighten or darken the screen. There are also programming options for large display screens for home and mobile phones; you can have numbers preprogrammed, set ring tone levels and activate an intercom relay in case a handset is ever misplaced. Some other enhancements include a blinking light for incoming calls, increased volume controls and a more senstitive touch pad for dialing.
Depending on the age and skill level of the user, a black and white large display screen may be a better choice. Color display phones can have hazed areas that could obscure certain information on the screen. Picking out a large display screen for an older person requires that you take certain factors into consideration. If they have arthritis you may want to get them a phone that has voice recognition. Both Nextel and Motorola offer cellular and home phones with these options built in to them.
Most large display mobile phones can be obtained free with a one or two year service contract. For home phones with large display screens, the average price is less than fifty dollars. That is a small price to pay for knowing that your loved ones will be able to access information easily and in the case of an emergency they will be able to call for help. Phones with a large display are also an excellent choice if you have small children in your home. You can teach them how to properly call for help in the case of an accident, fire or injury.
There are no additional fees associated with owning or operating a large screen phone. TTY services are usually included or provided for free for those who require the service. Whether you are purchasing a large display mobile or home based phone, it can be a liberating experience for those who have vision issues but still wish to remain active and stay in touch with family and friends.
