1. Home>
  2. Inpatient Rehabilitation Therapies>
  3. Assistive Technology Lab>
  4. Phone Access Resources

Cell Phones

Cell phones offer a vast number of capabilities beyond calling and texting. Once able to access their cell phones, people can call for help in an emergency or use a variety of smart phone apps to assist with memory, organization, and hands-free operation. When physical access to a phone is a challenge, the Tech Lab can help determine accessibility solutions such as voice recognition features, switch access, mounting and positioning solutions, and modified techniques and tools for accessing the touch screen.

Financial Assistance Options

Assurance Wireless: This is a government assistance program that can provide free Lifeline service. They also offer reduced or free cell phones and cell plans for those who qualify.

Questions to Ask When Buying a Cell Phone

  • Can you “wake up” the phone from a dark screen using voice commands only (not touching anything on the phone)?
  • Can you answer an incoming call with voice commands (again, without touching the screen)?
  • What other voice features does the phone offer (i.e., open apps and email, play music, etc.)?
  • What is the battery life and are there other ways to charge the phone (i.e., wireless charging)?
  • Does the phone offer any additional accessibility features, such as face ID, head tracking, etc.?

Smart Phone Accessibility

There are a wide variety of accessibility features available on smartphones. Here are several of the most frequently used ones at Craig Hospital and links to explore other accessibility features.

Apple iOS

  • Speech recognition
    • Hey Siri: Manage calls and messages, and access some basic features of selected apps (i.e., music, calendar).
    • Voice Control: Navigate your phone by voice, including gestures such as swiping, scrolling, and tapping. It also allows you to dictate, edit, and correct text using your voice.
  • Other features
    • Call Audio Routing: Defaults the phone to speaker for incoming and outgoing calls.
    • Switch Control: Navigate using a scanning method along with a switch, if you cannot touch the screen. This can be helpful for those who cannot use their voice.
    • Assistive Touch: Access the buttons on the side of the phone (such as volume, power, and screenshots) from an on-screen menu.

Android

  • Google Assistant: Manage calls and messages and access basic features of selected apps (i.e., music, calendar).
  • Voice Access Application: A free app that allows you to navigate (i.e., tap, swipe, scroll, dictate/edit) the phone by voice. Works best on Google Pixel phones.
  • Switch Access: Navigate using scanning along with a switch, if you cannot touch the screen. This can be helpful for those who cannot use their voice.
  • Action Blocks: Create custom shortcuts/widgets on your home screen for calling, opening links, or activating emergency services.
  • Assistant Menu: Access the buttons on the side of the phone (such as volume, power, and screenshots) from an on-screen menu.

Free Head and Eye Tracking Options

iOS Eye Tracking: You will find this feature in the accessibility settings. Eye Tracking allows you to control a cursor on the screen with eye movement and dwell over items to select. This is a new accessibility feature that has, in our experience, some challenges and inconsistencies with use. Research the link provided and watch additional video tutorials.

iOS Head Tracking: This feature is built into Apple’s Switch Control function in accessibility settings. It allows you to control a pointer on the screen and use facial gestures or sound to perform clicks. If you would like to trial this option, we encourage you to do your research and watch video tutorials.

Jabberwocky App: Another tool that allows you to access your phone with the camera and head movement. Android can control the entire phone. For iOS, there are two separate apps. One allows you to control a keyboard using the Jabberwocky AAC app. The other lets you access an internet browser using Jabberwocky Browser.

Bluetooth Earpieces

Bluetooth earpieces can be used with computers and phones and offer several advantages. They can assist with filtering out background noise when using voice control features and allow private phone conversations when the alternative would be to use speakerphone. Here are some things to think about when buying a Bluetooth earpiece.

Considerations:

  • Fit/comfort and stability in the ear while moving
  • Options for various size earpieces or an ear loop for better fit
  • Control button placement (how easy would it be to tap?)
  • Compatibility with your device
  • Battery life
  • Multi-point capability (allows you to toggle between multiple devices i.e. tablets, computers and phones)

If you use Dragon software the nuance.com website offers several Bluetooth options. However, many other Bluetooth earpieces also work well. You may consider using one of the options below, along with the USB Adapter.

Poly BT300 Mini Bluetooth USB Adapter:

  • This device is recommended when using Bluetooth earpieces with your computer for multipoint features.

Poly Voyager 5200 or Voyager Legend Wireless Headset:

  • These alert you to an incoming call and announce who it is from
  • Allows you to answer or decline the call by voice
  • Has multipoint

Jabra Talk 45:

  • Has the same features as Poly options above, but the control button may be more accessible to some users
  • More compact design with optional ear-loop
  • Includes various sized ear buds

Landline Phones

Even though fewer people are using landline phones today, these “low-tech” devices offer many options for those with cognitive or physical impairments. Some examples of helpful features include speakerphone, big buttons and memory dial.

Clarity P300 Photo Phone: By clicking on photos of faces, users don’t have to remember names or numbers when calling.

ClearSounds Amplified Alert Telephone: Provides emergency dialing and remote call answering/disconnect by pressing a button on a pendant. Users can summon help in an emergency without paying monthly monitoring fees. The pendant can be programmed to call your designated emergency contacts.

Battery Packs and Chargers

Portable battery packs and wheelchair USB chargers allow you to charge your phone when you’re on the go. Below are some examples, each with its own unique applications.

Battery Packs: Explore those that are lightweight, compact in size and have high capacity ratings.

Cripple Concepts USB Charger: Plugs into your wheelchair charging port so you can connect a USB cable and charge or power your device. Note: You can still drive your wheelchair while the unit is plugged in.

Magnetic Charger Adapters: Make it easier to charge your phone, especially if you have limited hand function. Available for Android and iOS devices. There are a wide variety of these adapters available for purchase online.

Adaptive Phone Grips

The following tools help you hold your phone more securely and can be beneficial for someone with limited hand function.

Lamicall Phone Ring Holder: A rotating and collapsible ring for larger hands.

Libosa Cell Phone Ring Holder: A rotating and collapsible ring for smaller hands.

Love Handle Cell Phone Grip: A soft elastic loop lets you support the weight of the phone with one hand.

Pop Sockets Grip: A collapsible grip that can also be used as a stand.

Styluses

Styluses may be helpful in accessing your touch screen device as they increase your precision and accuracy. Fiber tipped options have better longevity and glide more smoothly across the screen. Rubber tipped options stay in place on their target and are better for those who struggle to maintain a steady position.

CCIVV Stylus: Stylus with replaceable fiber tips.

Friendly Swede: Comes with three replaceable tips. These have a narrow tip that increases your accuracy.

Rehabilitation Advantage’s Elastic Utensil Holder with Adjustable Strap: This universal cuff can be helpful when holding a stylus if you have limited hand function.

ShapeIt Flex Stylus: If you are struggling to get a specific stylus angle, this bendable option allows you to customize the fit to your hand.

Mouth Stick Styluses

Mouth sticks have a capacitive stylus on one end and a mouthpiece on the other. You can use these to interact with a smart device to tap on the screen. Some do not come with a capacitive tip, but can be modified with a stylus.

Sammons Preston Mouth Sticks: Bendable and telescopic mouth stick that includes a rubber tip. To make it capacitive, cut off the top of a stylus and insert it over the end of the mouth stick. The conjoined ends can then be secured with glue or tape.

Shapedad’s Mouth Stick Stylus: Lightweight bendable mouth stick stylus for tablet and smartphone, with three mouthpiece options.

Phone and Smart Watch Resources

Smart watches offer many advantages. Depending on the type of phone you have, look for a compatible watch. Smartwatches have a variety of features that vary by specific model:

  • Health monitoring: Heart rate monitoring, respiratory rate, temperature, sleep quality, fitness tracking
  • Can leave your phone at home or in your bag
  • GPS navigation
  • Voice assistant
  • Call, text, receive notifications
  • Fall detection

Apple Watch: Compatible with iPhones and voice controls with Siri.

Fitbit: More oriented towards fitness tracking and has more budget friendly options. Compatible with iOS and Android.

Samsung Smartwatches: Generally recommended for Android phones only. Works with Google Assistant.

The Tech Lab offers these resources for educational purposes and does not endorse any products, including those mentioned on this site. Many others are available. Please check online for additional products, manufacturers and user reviews.