Transcript
Making the Home Phone More Accessible
Tips on how to overcome certain issues associated with accessing the home phone from RPRE, the ILC, and Telstra (through the Disability Equipment Program) – Version 1 ● October 2002 – 1
Home Phone Needs Analysis After reviewing the 'Home Phone Needs' Survey and analysing the responses and comments that respondents made, 6 'tasks' were identified as areas of 'need' within the Crippled Children’s Association (CCA) and Communication and Therapy Services (CTS) community. These tasks (outlined in Table 1 below) were designed to target a specific issue, as listed below: Table 1 Task 1 2 3 4 5 6
Issue referring to Mobility Strength/coordination Strength Motor Control/coordination Motor Control/cognitive ability Motor Control/coordination
As a result of these identified needs, it was decided to approach the different bodies/organisations that can provide telephone solutions for people with a disability. These were: Regency Park Rehabilitation Engineering (RPRE) – Annabel Gregory, Environmental Control Specialist from the Assistive Technology Department, •
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Independent Living Centre (ILC) – an Occupational Therapist was consulted on what solutions the ILC can offer,
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Telstra – primarily through their catalogue "Telstra Products and Services – A catalogue for older people and people with a disability".
The following table has been put together, identifying solutions for the above tasks. For information on how to contact people from the above organisations to access the solutions outlined here, see the section after Table 2. Additional information about each solution is also given after the table. Figure 1 The Standard home phone – the T400 Touchfone
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Table 2 – Solutions to meet CCA and CTS client needs – additional information is given after the Table. Task 1. Moving to the phone in time to answer an incoming call
RPRE 1. Cordless phone - can be carried around with the user for close access.
ILC 1. Cordless phone E.g.:
Telstra 1. Additional sockets – so more than one phone can be plugged in around the house (See section 3.1)
2. Diverting home phone to client’s mobile phone saves answering the home phone when it rings.
2. Cordless Phone
3. Using an answering machine to pick up the call 3. Mobile phone
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Task 1. Moving to the phone in time to answer an incoming call
RPRE 4. TS Phone with a remote switch (See section 1.1)
ILC
Telstra 4. Easycall Call Return – retrieve the number of the last unanswered call dialling *10# (See section 3.2) 5. MessageBank Home and MessageBank Call Manager a 24 hours, 7 day a week answering service (See section 3.3) 6. Using an answering machine to take the call (See section 3.4)
5. "Pressure pad switch” to pick up of an incoming call (See section 1.2)
7. Having a second phone ringer placed at another location around the house, to minimise the chances of not hearing the phone ring
8. Easycall Calling Number Display – Let’s you know the number, date and time of incoming calls, and who called when you could not answer the phone (See section 3.5) 4
Task 2. Lifting the handset to take the phone off the hook
RPRE 1. Pressure pad switch or something similar
ILC 1. Hands-free/speaker phone (See section 2.1)
Telstra 1. Holdaphone (See section 3.6)
2. TS Phone
2. Cradle arm/telephone arm (See section 2.2)
2. Hands-free or speaker phone (Tel 35 Handsfree model shown)
3. Holdaphone (Telstra)
3. Holding the handset to your ear and mouth for the duration of the call
1. Cradle arm (See section 1.3) 2. Speaker phone
1. Shoulder rest
1. Holdaphone 2. Hands-free phones, such as the Tel 35 Handsfree
3. TS Phone
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Task 3. Holding the handset to your ear and mouth for the duration of the call
RPRE 4. Sicare Light & Rehaphone (See section 1.4)
ILC 2. Cradle arm 3. Headset (See section 2.3)
Telstra 3. Banksia Wave SP56 – hands-free voice and data operation (See section 3.7)
4. Head rest
4. Using a regular phone keypad to dial a phone number
1. RPC key-guard (from the Seating Dept) (See section 1.5)
5. Quad phone holder (See section 2.4)
4. Netcomm Roadster 11 56 Ultra - hands-free voice and data operation (See section 3.8)
1. Big Button phone (See section 2.5)
1. Easycall Abbreviated Dialling – 1 or 2 digit short-cut dialling (See section 3.9)
2. Big Button phone 2. Easycall Delayed Hotline – automatic dialling simply by picking up the phone (See section 3.10)
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Task 4. Using a regular phone keypad to dial a phone number
RPRE 3. Mouth-stick (See section 1.6)
ILC
Telstra 3. Easycall Call Back – if the number is engaged, Easycall Call Back will perform the redialling (See section 3.11) 4. Big Button phone
4. Hand-pointer or control enhancer (See section 1.7) 5. Head-pointer (See section 1.8) 5. Telstra Call Connect 12456 – this service may be free to people with a disability (See section 3.12)
5. Dialling the required phone number before the telephone "times out"
1. TS Phone - IR control with pre-stored nos. 2. Pre-stored memory numbers 3. Sicare Light & Rehaphone
1. Using the pre-stored memory button functions in the phone, so you don’t need to dial the number
1. Inputting the number into the phone (regardless of how long it takes), then hanging up and pushing “redial” to dial the number (tip given by Trevor Frost, RSB) 2. Directory Assistance Helpline – a service for customers who can’t use a phone book or need assistance with dialling (See section 3.13) 7
Task RPRE 6. Hanging the phone up after a 1. Speaker phone conversation is over
Section 1:
ILC –
Telstra 1. If using a speaker phone or Holdaphone, pressing the button again to hang up
RPRE Solutions
1.1
TS Phone - A single switch press will answer the phone when it is ringing, or will dial a single number. You can specify a commonly dialled number, or set the phone up to call one of Telstra's services such as Call Connect. A switch press dials the operator who will put you through to the number you want.
1.2
Pressure Pad Switch - A small pressure sensitive switch mounted on a velcro strap can be worn on the upper or lower arm, hand, knee etc., or wrapped around the chair arm, table leg, or chair headrest. Any place that allows pressure between two parts of the body or a body part and another firm object. The contact (pressure) activates the switch, which in this case, could be used to answer the phone.
1.3
Cradle Arm – A mechanical device that holds the receiver of the telephone so the customer can speak into the handset without having to hold it (see Holdaphone).
1.4
Sicare Light and Rehaphone – Voice commands are used to independently control appliances around the home using the small and portable Sicare Light. The speakerphone (Rehaphone) can be controlled by voice or switch by adding your choice of infrared environmental control devices such as the Sicare Light. The Sicare Light is easy to set up and contains a huge library of infrared codes ready to control your appliances, such as the TV, video, CD, etc. If you add extra receivers or modules it is possible to control mains powered appliances (such as a light, fan or radio), electronic doors, electric beds, the Gewa Page Turner, call bells etc. The Rehaphone can be controlled using the infrared remote control supplied, by using your own infrared device, or by pressing the buttons like a standard phone.
1.5
Key-guard – A clear acrylic key-guard can be made to custom fit the keypad of a telephone. This will allow users to have limited access to the keys through the small holes, stopping unintentional key presses by restricting the available keypad surface area.
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1.6
Mouth Stick – A mechanical device for people with dexterity impairments that is used by the mouth/face to help press or point to switches or objects. It could be used to enter the telephone number on the keypad (in conjunction with a key-guard).
1.7
Hand-pointer - Another mechanical device for people with dexterity impairments that is used in conjunction with the hand to offer an enhanced pointer to press small or difficult to reach buttons (such as the numbers on the keypad).
1.8
Head-Pointer – Similar to the hand-pointer and mouth stick, the head-pointer is controlled by the head to point or press buttons that are out of reach or difficult to make contact with. Again, this could be used to dial a desired telephone number.
Section 2:
Independent Living Centre Solutions
2.1
Hands-free/Speakerphone – Ideal for those with dexterity problems is the hands-free speakerphone that has the capability of storing up to 18 phone numbers. Nine of the most frequently called numbers can be dialled with one touch and the other nine numbers can be dialled with the touch of two buttons. The speaker phone has adjustable volume control and a LCD display shows the phone number received or called, and the time and duration of the call.
2.2
Cradle Arm/Telephone Arm – Similar to the Holdaphone device produced by Telstra is the cradle arm. A mechanical device that holds the telephone so the user can approach the receiver and talk into it without holding it. The cradle arm device is ideal for people with mobility or upper limb function impairments.
2.3
Headset – A lightweight portable device that allows hands-free use of the telephone. Suitable for anyone, particularly people with dexterity impairments, the self-positioning ball receiver fits into place with respect to the curve of the head. The speaker sits over the ear and a moveable microphone arm can be shifted into many positions. An All Purpose Tri-Amp amplifier is recommended when using the headset to allow for volume and mute control.
2.4
Quad-Phone Holder – A mechanical apparatus that hooks around the hand and holds onto the receiver of the telephone. The hook can be bent to the shape of the users hand and the receiver sits in the palm of the hand. The receiver is fastened to the device via a hook and loop fastening.
2.5
Big Button Phone – The big button phone form Audioline is ideal for people with visual and dexterity impairments. The large ovalshaped buttons allow easy viewing and contact for dialling. Twelve numbers can be stored in the memory of the phone, 3 onetouch dialled numbers and 9 numbers with the touch of two buttons. The phone features volume and pitch control, wall mounting brackets and you can speak privately to a third person by pressing the mute button.
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Section 3:
Telstra Solutions
3.1
Additional Sockets – Telstra can provide additional sockets to be installed around your house to make accessing the nearest phone even easier. This feature can improve phone usage for people with hearing and mobility impairments.
3.2
EasyCall Return – Developed for those with a hearing or mobility impairment is the EasyCall Return feature that allows you to retrieve the number of your last missed call. Dialling *10# on the phone pad will replay the number of the last unanswered call, while pressing ‘1’ will automatically dial the number of the unanswered call.
3.3
MessageBank Home and MessageBank Call Manager – Directed at those with a hearing, speech or mobility impairment are two functions that act as an answering machine and a personal phone service to receive and store messages, and to take calls when it best suits you. MessageBank Home features access from any tone phone, receives and stores messages with easy-to-follow voice prompts and allows customisation of your recorded voice message. Calls can be returned whenever it is convenient and by several mediums such as phone, fax, teletypewriter or computer modem. Pre-recorded messages can help those with impaired speech to advise callers to leave a message for you. MessageBank Call Manager allows you to direct calls from your house, business or mobile phone to your MessageBank service. Stored messages can be grouped in one easy-to-find location. The service allows remote access to all messages, and the flexibility to chose when to respond to messages meaning you’ll never miss a call.
3.4
Answering Machine – A simple yet effective way to notify incoming callers about the condition a customer may possess is the use of an answering machine. The message left on the answering machine can be used to say that it takes a while to get to the phone so the caller knows to wait. Music or a blank space could be left on the message for the required time to reach the phone before the beep is played.
3.5
Easycall Calling Number Display – People with a hearing or mobility concern can utilise this function that displays the telephone number of the incoming call. Features included allow you to store the number, date and time of the call and it lets you know who called when the call was missed. The service is available in most areas in Australia and requires a Call Number Display (CND) phone set.
3.6
Holdaphone – People with mobility impairments can use the Holdaphone device to hold the phone for you. The mechanical device contains a handset holder and lever that allows you to have a conversation without having to hold the handset.
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3.7
Banksia Wave SP56 – People with a hearing and speech-impaired can use this device in conjunction with a personal computer (PC) to communicate with other PC users via voice or data transmission. The Banksia Wave SP56 modem offers the flexibility to use for voice and data, hands-free operation and it allows you to distinguish the type of call. The PC’s minimum system requirements are an IBM 386 or newer, 8 MB RAM and 4 MB RAM for Windows 95 and 3.11 respectively with a minimum of 10 MB hard drive space.
3.8
Netcomm Roadster 11 56 Ultra – This device features a 56 kbps data/fax voice modem, simultaneous voice data facility, fax capability, full duplex speakerphone, microphone and headset and distinctive ring detection. The Netcomm Roadster 11 56 Ultra has additional features as it can be used on IBM or Macintosh computers. Minimum system requirements for this device is a computer with a 486 or Pentium processor, 8 MB RAM or greater, a minimum of 8 MB hard drive space, Windows 3.1 or higher (Windows 95 for full utilisation) or Macintosh OS 7.0 or higher.
3.9
Easycall Abbreviated Dialling – Ideal for people with vision or dexterity problems is the abbreviated dialling function that allows the customer to store up to 60 telephone numbers. Each stored number can be shortened down to a 1 or 2 press number that automatically dials the programmed number. The service is a fast and accurate way to dial frequently called numbers.
3.10
Easycall Delayed Hotline – Developed for those with a vision or mobility impairment is the EasyCall Delayed Hotline. This feature can be programmed to dial your most frequently called number. By simply picking up the phone receiver and waiting four seconds the number is automatically dialled. This feature can be used in conjunction with a hands-free telephone and Call Connect to enable one-touch access to any phone number in Telstra’s directory.
3.11
Easycall Call Back – People with vision or mobility impairment can use this function to re-dial the number you previously rang which was engaged. The feature will keep re-dialling for 30 minutes and will alert the user with a distinctive ring when the call is connected. A tone phone with a distinctive ring capability is required to alert the user.
3.12
Telstra Call Connect 12456 – A premium connection service that allows the user, including people with vision or mobility impairments, to connect directly with the person you wish to contact. This feature connects the user with the destination using one call instead of two. The service may be available free of charge to customers who have a disability or condition that makes it difficult to use or dial a standard telephone. Further information on this exemption can be found by contacting the Disability Enquiry Hotline on FREECALL TM 1 800 068 424. Charges apply to all attempted connections when no exemption applies.
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3.13
Directory Assistance Helpline – Available to all Telstra customers, together with vision and mobility impaired users, is the 24 hour a day, 7 days a week Directory Assistance service on 1223 or 12455. The Helpline provides addresses and undertakes multiple searches for registered eligible customers, ideal for those who are unable to use a phone book and need a telephone number. It is a free service for eligible customers and is also available on mobile phones for users who have a disability. Registration is required to use the service, and registration details can be found on 1223 or 12455 or by email on
[email protected]
Would you like to Access some of the Solutions Highlighted Here? Here’s how to get in contact with a consultant! •
At Regency Park Rehabilitation Engineering:
An appointment can be made with:
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At the Independent Living Centre:
An appointment can be made with an:
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Annabel Gregory Computer Access Specialist Regency Park Rehabilitation Engineering Days Rd, Regency Park, SA 5942 Ph: (08) 8243 8288, Fax: (08) 8243 8337 Email:
[email protected]
Occupational Therapist 11 Blacks Road, Gilles Plains, SA, 5086 Ph: (08) 8266 5260 or 1 800 800 523 for Country Callers, Fax: (08) 8266 5263
At Telstra:
More information can be found out about the services Telstra offer by calling (FREECALL) 1 800 068 424 (Voice) or (FREECALL) 1 800 808 981 (TTY only), or emailing
[email protected]. The Telstra Disability Equipment Program Catalogue is also now on the Internet, at www.telstra.com.au/disability/catalogue. 12
Information about Telephones from the ILC Website – http://www.ilc.asn.au The correct telephone may be the most important means of keeping in touch with family and friends. It may also be the method of calling for assistance in an emergency situation. The FIRST STEP is to consider your requirements. - Is your present phone satisfactory? - Do you find it difficult to use? - Can you hear when it rings and can you hear when people talk to you? - Do you have difficulty getting to the phone in time? - When you are tired or disturbed, do you find it difficult to remember how to dial a number for assistance? FEATURES Hands-free Telephone -There is no need to hold the receiver. -Some calls can be answered from a distance by pressing a button on a transmitter worn by the person. -Volume Control may enable you to hear the caller. Voice Amplifier -This makes it easier for others to hear a softly spoken person. Head Phones -There is a range to fit most phones to save you holding the receiver. Very Large Buttons -Large Numbers. Large Adhesive Numbers -To attach to regular button or dial phones. Widely Spaced Buttons -Are available on some models.
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Flashing Light or Vibrating Alarm -To alert a person with hearing impairment that the phone is ringing. Loud and Variable Tone Ringer -To alert a person the phone is ringing. Synthesised Voice -"Speaks" the numbers as they are pressed for people with vision impairment. Telephone Typewriter -For people who cannot communicate because of lacking of speech and/or hearing. TELEPHONE OPTIONS DIAL TELEPHONES Dial telephones are no longer readily available, but some people feel comfortable with their familiarity. Disadvantages - No memory facilities. - No redial. - Are not compatible with most monitored personal alarm systems. - Require good hand function. PUSH BUTTON TELEPHONES Features - Memory function where frequently used numbers can be called again at the press of one button. Disadvantages - Difficult for some people to learn to use. - Some have small buttons set close together. - Numbering is sometimes hard to read.
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CORDLESS TELEPHONES Features - Similar to push button phone but buttons are smaller. - Portable around the house and garden. - Can be carried on a belt or in a pocket. - Saves hurrying to get up and move to the phone to answer, thus preventing some falls. - Can be useful in case of an emergency ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Telstra Aged and Disability Services Equipment Concession Policy provides a reduction in costs or free installation on a wide variety of Telstra Equipment for people with disabilities.
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For suggestions and improvements for future versions of this document, please contact David Hobbs on (08) 8243 8338, or email at
[email protected]
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