[nfb-talk] Accessible Business Phone Systems

[Michael D. Barber]

mMike:  Have you checked out Accessaphone?  They're supposed to be able to install software that might remedy this.

Cordially,
Michael D. Barber

> On Jan 18, 2014, at 9:27 AM, "Michael Bullis" <bullis.michael at gmail.com> 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
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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