Disabled Seek Better Cell Phone Features, Survey Finds
By Malykhina, Elena; Information Week,Publication Date: February 21, 2008
Article summarizing a survey of the use of mobile devices by people with disabilities. Conducted by the Wireless Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC), the survey was completed by 1,208 disabled participants. Respondents reported using mobile devices for many of the same reasons as the general population, including convenience and a sense of security. Voice communication was the most important mobile device function cited by 78 percent, while 45 percent said Enhanced 911 was most important, 43 percent cited text messaging, 41 percent cited e-mail, and 35 percent cited Internet access. Although a majority of respondents were satisfied with their mobile devices, many of them suggested additional features that would help meet their needs, including a feature that would allow a service dog to call for emergency help, the ability to switch to voice carryover when a voice becomes incomprehensible, and the ability to scan and speak labels on medication. Respondents also called for improved viewing screens, hearing-instrument compatibility, and a design making the device easier to hold. The survey was funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.
Published by: CMP Media LLC (Website:http://www.cmp.com)
Link to text: http://www.informationweek.com/news/mobility/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=206801051
