Cell phones are a staple in today’s society. But the phones available can be nearly impossible to use if you have limited use of your hands or a vision or hearing impairment. So how do you choose one that’s right for you?
Getting Started
Many cell phone companies have begun manufacturing and marketing cell phones specifically geared toward the disabled and the elderly. Finding the phone that works best for you is simply a process of trial and error.
The first thing you’ll need to do is research. Get online and Google "cell phones for the disabled and elderly." Read through the results and narrow your list of possible choices. You can do this fairly easily with just a look at the product's web page. If the web page s well designed, easy-to-use and looks professional, the company is probably reputable. If the page has poor spelling and grammar and is not very informative, steer clear of the company.
Next, visit a cell phone store or The Connection Center at most Wal-Mart Supercenters. The associates at any of these places will be trained to help you find the phone that is best for you. Try out the phones that the stores have on display by punching the numbers, seeing if the screen is big enough and finding out if you can open and close it.
If you don’t want to purchase a phone in the store, order it over the phone or online. Whether you buy a phone in the store or directly from the company, you will have a 30-day trial period in which to try out the phone in real life situations and see if it is truly the best fit for you. If the first phone you choose doesn't work for you, start the process again.
Phones and Plans
Some of the cell phones available for the disabled and elderly are:
- Jitterbug Dial. Some of the features of this simple, no-frills phone include 24-hour operator assistance, a powerful speaker, a large, bright screen and a large, backlit keypad.
- Jitterbug OneTouch. The keypad on this phone features only three buttons – a 911 key, a personalized direct dial key and an operator key. The phone also features an earpiece cushion, a powerful speaker and a large, we-lit screen.
- Verizon Wireless Coupe. This phone features a simplified navigation menu, large keypad and screen, a dedicated 911 key and three ICE (In Case of Emergency) keys, making it simpler than ever to get a hold of your contacts.
If you need a cell phone for emergency circumstances and the like but are worried that you can't afford a plan, the government now offers SafeLink Wireless. This program offers a basic phone and airtime each month for a minimal fee or free, depending on income eligibility. To qualify for the program, you must meet certain requirements. You must receive federal housing assistance, food stamps or Medicaid; or, your household income must be at or below 135% of the poverty level: and no on in your household is receiving services through another phone carrier. For more information, visit SafeLink Wireless.
Evaluate all your choices. Don’t be intimidated by all the gadgetry that comes on today’s cell phones and don’t settle for a phone that isn’t a perfect fit for you
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