More Details

FEATURES
* Handsfree 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

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.

Cordless Phones
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

Under the Telstra Disability Equipment Program, this phone can be rented for the same hire charge as a standard telephone. Contact Telstra Disability Enquiry Hotline

Standards

Standards
Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For more information about standards also see
http://at-aust.org/home/assistive_technology/standards.html

TGA
Many of the items on the Assistive Technology Australia website are categorised as a Medical Device. Medical devices that are approved for use in Australia have been entered into a national database called the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), which is maintained by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). You can ask the supplier for the ARTG number for the device you wish to purchase and search the ARTG for the entry. To access information on the ARTG visit www.tga.gov.au

When buying a medical device it is advisable to only choose a medical device that is recommended by a healthcare professional and has been included on the ARTG.