[nfb-talk] Accessible Business Phone Systems

[David Andrews]

There is software to make voip phones accessible, called 
access-a-phone.  It isn't cheap, but it works.

Dave

At 09:27 AM 1/18/2014, you wrote:
>Hi folks:
>
>I'm reaching out to you because I can't find an accessible business phone
>system and wonder if you have been able to do so.  My organization is
>growing.  We now have eighteen employees.  Our current phone system is
>pretty much inaccessible.  Oh, well, if you're blind, you can answer the
>phone and check messages.  All the rest of the system-call forwarding,
>conferencing, looking at your recent call list, Etc., are inaccessible.
>
>
>
>My organization wants a modern voip phone system in which one can manage
>calls from the desk phone, from ones pc, and from one's smart phone.
>
>If someone calls you at your desk, the call can also be seen on your
>computer and smart phone.
>
>Unfortunately, in every instance that I've looked at, the apps that provide
>such services aren't accessible.  It turns out that cisco, fifteen years
>ago, developed the underlying architecture to allow for full access to these
>systems for people who are blind or deaf,  but, the companies that create
>them haven't developed the apps for access.  For example, in the case of
>Comcast, they have apps for desktop and iphone, which, with small
>modifications such as labeling buttons, would be accessible, but, as you
>might expect, it isn't a priority with Comcast to make such changes any time
>soon.  Apparently fifteen years just hasn't been enough time.
>
>Even their iphone app could be made accessible with the simple act of
>changing a graphic to a button and some minor labeling.  But, alas, that's
>too much to ask if one wants it in this decade.
>
>So, since I know that you run anorganization that employs many blind folks
>I'm wondering if you have had any success at a fully accessible, modern
>phone system-one that allows you to call forward, see who has called,
>conference call, access your phone from your desktop or laptop, or, from
>your smartphone (either android or iphone)?
>
>Interestingly, one solution would be to buy really old phones.  What do I
>mean?  Buy phones that have what I call hard buttons.  These are analog
>phones that have a button for hold, button for forward, button for
>conferencing, Etc.  Unfortunately, such phones aren't necessarily forward
>compatible with current voice over ip systems.
>
>
>
>So, I'm writing you for two possible things.
>
>1.        Do you have a fully accessible phone system that I've just missed
>in my research?
>
>2.       Do you have contacts with major voip providers such as Verizon,
>Comcast, 8x8, AT&T, who could take on the mission of making their systems
>accessible?
>
>
>
>I should mention that I am familiar with ipblue and Tenacity.  They will
>provide us with piggyback programs for the pc that will make some company's
>phone systems accessible in combination with jaws for that environment.  The
>work-arounds start at $750 per station and go up from their.  But, still, no
>ability to use these systems with your smart phone.
>
>Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated.
>
>
>
>My desires in life are simple.  Two of them, always lingering in the back of
>my mind have been, a fully usable phone system and pay stubs that I can
>read.  The pay stubs is easy.  The phone system doesn't seem to be.
>
>I'm hoping you can help me realize this one.
>
>Thanks in advance for forwarding this to anyone who may have answers.
>
>Mike Bullis
>
>Executive Director,
>
>The IMAGE Center of Maryland
>
>Office: 443-275-9394
>
>Cell:443-286-9001