[Trainer-Talk] Issue with Paxton Apartment Intercom System and Lengthy iPhone Touch Tone Process

[Curtis Chong]

Hello Myka:

I am curious as to how the security system can override what would be, for all practical purposes, a normal phone call. How is it possible to change the behavior of the iPhone for what would ordinarily be an incoming call. Am I correct that apartment residents are not installing a specific app to handle this security system? Your detailed description of the problem is quite clear except for the questions I am raising here.

Thank you, sir.

Kind regards,

Curtis Chong


-----Original Message-----
From: Trainer-Talk <trainer-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Mika Pyyhkala via Trainer-Talk
Sent: Monday, September 9, 2024 11:51 AM
To: 'List for teachers and trainers of adaptive technology' <trainer-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Mika Pyyhkala <Mika.Pyyhkala at envisionus.com>
Subject: [Trainer-Talk] Issue with Paxton Apartment Intercom System and Lengthy iPhone Touch Tone Process

I have a client that moved in to a new building that uses a touch screen only Paxton intercom system. The unit outside is 100% touch screen, so it appears it is completely inaccessible to a blind guest.

Furthermore, when the system calls you to buzz in a guest, it is an extremely lengthy process that you have to follow on the iPhone.

Here's what I found you have to do on the iPhone:

1. You must press the call answer button instead of the double tap gesture to answer the call.
2. You must then click on the call so that the screen focus changes to the incoming call.
3. You must then click on keypad to bring up the numeric keypad.
4. You must then press the number 1 to activate the door unlock process.

Other observations:
1. If you use the two finger double tap to answer the call, you are readily presented with a keypad, however, the Paxton system will not recognize the touch tone number 1 being entered. However, if you go through the above process, it will recognize the number 1. It also recognizes it without VoiceOver running where a visual user would have to follow the same 4 steps I noted above.
2. The call times out in 60 seconds so you have to talk to the person and perform these 4 steps quickly.
3. If you are using the iPhone speaker, then its difficult to hear the in call VoiceOver prompts as they are coming out from the  iPhone like a phone receiver instead of via the speaker. Its a little easier if you happen to have a headset on when the intercom call arrives.

I'm curious if anyone knows any shortcuts that could shorten the 4 steps I noted above that you appear to have to go through to get this to work on an iPhone.

I imagine with a Blindshell phone this would be easier and you could just press the tactitle 1 button.

I'm also curious if others are having issues with these systems as I imagine they are very common in modern buildings across the country both from the perspective of being a visiting guest and from the perspective of being an occupant and having to interact with the system in the way I described above.

Just one other bit of information, the system does have the capability for a guest to enter a code directly when they access the building. However, for security reasons, the property management company does not typically issue these codes, although they could certainly issue one as an accommodation exception and that is an avenue we may have to look at.


​
Mika Pyyhkala
Dir. of Digital Accessibility - BVI Workforce Innovation Center Envision, Inc.
610 N. Main St.
Wichita, Kansas
67203
Direct: 316-440-1573
Mobile: 617-308-1114
www.envisionus.com

​Envision Mission: To improve the quality of life and provide inspiration and opportunity for people who are blind or visually impaired through employment, outreach, rehabilitation, education and research.

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