[nabop] Fw: Accessible Phone Systems

[Nancy Coffman]

Hello:

Our agency has a device called a Teletalk from Compusult in Canada.  I have 
the information about it at work and would be happy to get it to you.  Our 
system is a Centrex with Meridian phones.  In its native mode there is no 
computer involvement.  I think they also have systems for other phones.

Mike Hansen at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln knows about the one 
they have there.  I don't remember what the name of it is but it is quite 
accessible with only a few glitches.  It operates the University, the State 
switchboard and the City of Lincoln and Lancaster County.  It is a busy 
board with more duties than just answering the phone.

There are a couple of outfits that have exhibited at NFB conventions 
recently that also have options.  A lot of it depends on what phone system 
you have.  The easiest way to continue this conversation would be to email 
me at
nancy.coffman at nebraska.gov

I have all of the information at work and am currently on the road.  I am 
happy to help.

Nancy Coffman
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <reannewithaplan at gmail.com>
To: <nabop at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, August 03, 2009 8:09 PM
Subject: [nabop] Fw: Accessible Phone Systems


>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: reannewithaplan at gmail.com
> To: nabop-request at nfbnet.org
> Sent: Wednesday, July 29, 2009 6:04 PM
> Subject: Accessible Phone Systems
>
>
> Hi.  I am writing requesting any information regarding accessible 
> telephone systems for the workplace.  I work as an administrative 
> assistant for an agency that assists adults and families with disabilities 
> by helping them maintain independence and remain in their homes.  The 
> landline telephone system that the agency has is not really user-friendly 
> for those with residual sight, and for those who have no sight at all, the 
> phones are difficult to manage in terms of on-screen menues, w/out the aid 
> of a sighted individual.  The screens on the phones consist of dark text 
> in front of a dark contrast, and there is no way to adjust the brightness 
> or darkness of neither the text nor the background.  The only speech 
> output on the phone system occurs when an individual is checking for new 
> voice mail (i.e.  "You have one new message...").  We are researching this 
> issue as an agency as there are four of us on staff to date who have 
> varying degrees of blindness.  I am able to read info on the phone screen 
> a little with a hand-held magnifier, and I have tactually marked various 
> buttons that perform specific functions using stick dots.  The trick is, 
> the function buttons are designed to perform more than one type of 
> function depending on the situation you are in at the time.  We have 
> contacted various companies such as AT&T among others, but no one seems to 
> have solutions when it comes to nonvisual accessibility for landline phone 
> systems for businesses.  I would love to receive some solutions and 
> feedback on this issue.  I know there are some businesses who are 
> switching to a cell phone system rather than a landline system.  What are 
> some of you office workers out there using for accessible phone systems 
> around the office?  Any experiences and ideas would definitely be much 
> appreciated.  I am eager to share some ideas with my colleagues. 
> Thank-you!
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Reanne Tangedal
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