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* May be useful for those who may require help while away from home such as down the street or on a large property.
* Can provide a way for a person to be notified that help is required at home.
Buttons
* Is it easy to push the buttons?
* Can you feel the buttons? The number "5" button should have a raised dot on its surface to locate it, and work from there as to where the other buttons are. These vary in ease to feel and this may be a requirement if you rely on this.
* The ease of finding the buttons can vary. Smaller, well spaced buttons may be easier to find and push. Some may find larger buttons more difficult. Often, small, cramped together buttons can create difficulty to use.
* Can all the buttons be reached and pressed if using one hand to hold and dial the phone? Buttons in the middle, top or bottom may be difficult to reach.
* Are they clearly labelled? Black on white is easier to see than black on black.
* The length of time the buttons need to be held down to operate varies from phone to phone. is the user able to hold them down long enough, or do they operate too fast? If a button is accidentally knocked, will it affect the call?
* Does the user know when they have pressed a button? Some do not depress very far, which could be difficult for those with sensory difficulties. Audible signals or lights may assist this.
Functions
* Mobile phones have memory buttons to automatically call pre/selected numbers. How many steps are involved to operate this if required? If in an emergency, how quickly this can be done in a panic situation is also important.
* Various hands free alternatives are available. Often there is an ear insert similar to headphones and a lapel microphone which clips onto clothing.
* Issues include how easy is it to put on, will the ear piece stay in place if there are involuntary movements, can it be heard, and can it be operated? Head/sets are not available with all mobile telephones.
* Some mobile phones have vehicle accessories which may assist some people.
Hands free operation is one alternative.
* Can the ringing be heard? Many phones have the capacity to vary the ring tone and volume, as well as the tune.
Where can it be used?
* The mobile telephone may be used in some places and not others. Choice magazine article (March 1997) suggests several ways to help work out where it may or may not work.
Ease of operation
* The more clearly labelled and easy to operate mobile phones can often be an advantage. Some people can have difficulty when several steps to turn it off, whereas others need only press one button.
Batteries
* The amount of time required for the batteries to last, and what is required for recharging are issues to consider.
Considerations
Points to consider
* The overall size can vary from mobile phone to mobile phone. This can affect how easy it is to grip and hold up to your ear.
* The weight of the mobile phone may be easier to hold for some if it is heavier (eg if someone has a tremor). Lighter weight may be a preference for those who experience pain.
* Some mobile phones have a thin, flat shape, whereas others are thicker and more rounded which would often be easier to hold. Rounded phones may be more difficult to rest on a table to dial numbers.
* The screen and writing size differ from phone to phone.
* Some phones have voice activated dialling and speaker phone options.
