Video: New AFB Video Portrays Difficulties Faced by Cell Phone Users with Vision Loss

This video is for the benefit of the over 65 million users of GSM phones in Nigeria and other millions in other places in the world.



AFB Urges Action by Wireless Industry to Ensure People with Vision Loss Have Access to Cell Phones
New York, NY (April 2, 2009) /PRNewswire/ — Ever wonder what it would be like to use a cell phone without being able to see the display screen or keypad? Would you be able to dial calls, send a text message, or even get help in an emergency situation? This is often the reality for people with vision loss because the majority of cell phones do not offer talking menus and magnification options, and those that do cost much more.

To improve the accessibility of cell phones for the more than 20 million Americans with vision loss, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is urging cell phone manufacturers and providers to focus on cell phone accessibility as they gather at the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) conference in Las Vegas this week.

As part of its cell phone accessibility efforts, AFB has launched a new video illustrating the challenges people with vision loss face when trying to purchase a usable and affordable cell phone. The video, which is available on YouTube and AFB's web site, is audio described and captioned to make it accessible to all people with disabilities. AFB is also urging the Obama administration and the new leadership at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to take immediate action to ensure that cell phones and phone services are made accessible for people with disabilities, as required by Section 255 of the Communications Act (http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=4&TopicID=327&DocumentID=3574).

"While we applaud the leadership shown by AT&T and Verizon, who are providing software at a discount to make some of their phones accessible for consumers with vision loss, the reality is that the majority of cell phones still do not incorporate key features like speech output and magnification of information displayed on the screen," said Paul Schroeder, Vice President, Programs and Policy Group at AFB. "Cell phones are an essential part of modern life, and it's time manufacturers and carriers start providing phones that work for everyone, including the millions of us who do not have perfect eyesight."

For more information on cell phone accessibility, visit www.afb.org/cellphones.

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that expands possibilities for people with vision loss. AFB's priorities include broadening access to technology; elevating the quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss; and promoting independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and timely resources. AFB is also proud to house the Helen Keller Archives and honor the more than forty years that Helen Keller worked tirelessly with AFB. For more information visit us online at www.afb.org


Press Contacts:
Caitlin McFeely
AFB Communications
(212) 502-7674
cmcfeely@afb.net

Adrianna Montague-Gray
AFB Communications
212.502.7675
amontaguegray@afb.net