Abstract Introduction

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Voice dialling and answering ... download & display text and images from certain webpages ... For example, voice outputs from the mobile phone are of no use ...
Accessible Mobile Phones Toan Nguyen, Andrew Downing, The Flinders University of South Australia Rob Garrett, The Crippled Children’s Association of South Australia, Inc.

Abstract The comprehensive communication capability of a mobile phone can enable users anywhere to independently access a very wide range of communication, information and control systems and services. The provision of accessible mobile phones for people with disabilities will significantly improve their quality of life through increased range of accessible activities, and will improve their independence, safety, security and self-esteem. Making the right choice from the diverse range of mobile phones and accessory interfaces readily available on the market today can be a daunting task. This investigation reveals the current mobile phones with features that are significant for users with a disability. Those who are with mobility, dexterity, visual or hearing impairment (extending to those with speech and language impairment as well as cognitive impairment) can benefit through using a five-step process that has been developed to assist in the selection of an appropriate mobile phone.

Introduction The mobile phones industry is a huge and convoluted industry. In Australia, we have three major telecommunications service providers, namely Telstra, Optus and Vodafone and so many brands and mobile phone models to choose from. There are the major brands such as Motorola, Ericsson and Nokia extending to smaller brands such as Philips, Panasonic, Siemens and Sony. Major brands have has at least ten models (Table 1) and with more advanced models in the pipeline. Models Motorola

V2088

V2288

A1018s

A2618s A2628 (W) A3618s 3310 3330(W)

[1] Ericsson

[2] Nokia

3210

V3688 V8088 (W) R310s

5110 5110i

T2268 (W)

T300 T180

L Series+ (W)

A6188 (W)

R320s (W)

R280LX (W) R380s (W) 6210 (W,B) 6250 (W)

R520m (W,G) 6310 (W,G,B)

6110 6150

Timeport 280(W,G)

T10s

Timeport 270c (W,B) T18s

7110 (W)

8210 8250 (W)

8810 8850

T20s,(W) T20e (W)

Timport P7389I( W,G) T28s

9110I (W)

Talkabout 193(W,G) 189 T29s(W) T39m(W,G) T39mc(W,G, B) 9210(W)

[3] 8310(W,G) Table 1. A table of the some of the mobile phone models available from the Motorola, Ericsson and Nokia respectively. [W = WAP, G = GPRS & B = Bluetooth].

There are currently about a hundred mobile phone models on the market to choose from. Depending on the style, colour, features and functions, service provider, and cost factors, the process involved in choosing a mobile phone that suit a person's needs can be time consuming and difficult process. It is particularly difficult if you are a customer with a disability. The chances that an able-bodied person obtaining the right phone that reflects their economical, social and physical needs are high. Where as, for someone with a disability, his/her chances and choices are greatly reduced – depending on the disability. So how and where does one simply start? Unless there are some structured process or guideline to follow, someone new to the mobile phones industry can find the process of selecting a phone with appropriate accessories difficult. No documented process exists as such; however, Brandt [4] has published points to consider while selecting mobile phones for people with disabilities. The aims of this paper are: 1. to briefly present the mobile phone industry’s present and future technology and the problems and possible solutions that are associated with them; 2. to present the results from an investigation that reveals the current mobile phones with features that are significant for users with a disability; and 3. to outline a proposed five-step process that will guide people with a disability through choosing the appropriate mobile phone model. Ultimate users of mobile phones will benefit most from this paper.

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Present and Future Technology Current Trends The current market trend is geared towards smaller phone models with an ever-increasing number of features. These includes: • • •

• •

quick or hotkey dialling vibrate alert predictive text Voice dialling and answering contrast control



productivity tools including: - text memos - scheduler - calculator - alarm clock - stopwatch

• • • • •

smart button speaker-phone FM radio data transmission via serial and infrared ports many in-built games

On the network side, depending on the service provider there are features such as, • •

Short Message Service (SMS) Calling Line Identification (CLI)

• •

Voice mail Call Management (waiting/forwarding/diverting)

Where features that have not been incorporated onto the phone itself, there are accessories/interfaces that would do the job. These includes • •

headset MP3 music (handsfree)

• •

portable/personal handsfree kit Snap-on keyboard for easy SMS and email

Future Trends With the advent of WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) [5], on the current GSM (Global Systems for Mobile communication) system you can surf the mobile Internet and with a WAPenabled mobile phone you can hook onto the net to: •

check out the latest entertainment sports & weather stock quote news (local & world)

• • • •

download & display text and images from certain webpages email (with attachments) engage in e-commerce information searches

WAP-enabled GSM systems coupled with GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) [6], will provide most of the intended function of a 3G (Third Generation) [7] network that is to be released in the near future. Phone models with GPRS technology such as Ericsson’s (R520, T39 & T39m), Motorola (Timeport 280, 7389i, Talkabout 193 & V Series model 66) and Nokia’s (8310 & 6310) provide faster connection speeds, greater bandwidth and quicker web and email access than conventional mobile phones. The 3G network in Europe, the UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), have seamless operation between terrestrial and satellite links, and will provide high speed access to the Internet with data rates of up to 2 Mbit/s. The special services it might offer includes: • remote interpretation for deaf people, by sign language or lip-speaking; when appropriate visual displays technology is available. • remote location and guidance (giving enquirers personal information on how to reach their destinations, with the service provider pin-pointing their location automatically). The improvements to the mobile phone and its uses do not stop there. With invention of Bluetooth technology [8], accessory such as the wireless headset makes accessibility to the mobile phone much simpler. Future incorporation of Bluetooth technology into the mobile phone can even turn the mobile phone into a “walking” control unit that can almost control any devices or appliances within the homes and offices that incorporates the Bluetooth technology.

Problems Some of the technologies mentioned are good for many people in general but are not all suitable for everybody. Some of the features that we find useful are of no use to those that are visually and/or hearing impaired. For example, voice outputs from the mobile phone are of no use to the deaf or the hard of hearing.

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The vast range of network based facilities like SMS, Calling Line Identification, voice-mail and call management functions, and call progress announcements require either useful vision or useful hearing, if not both. Internet-based applications, such as sending and receiving emails, surfing the net and engaging in information searches are all visually oriented and thus exclude blind consumers. Selecting characters on the phone’s small keypad, presents problems for people who lack critical eye-hand coordination and the ability to generate the timed responses required to compose messages or commands. There is no particular mobile phone model on the market that incorporates all the accessibility features required by people with a disability.

Possible Solutions? Fortunately, there is an extensive range of mobile phone models and accessories that can be selected to best meet the needs of people with a disability. Solutions such as predictive text and a snap-on standard QWERTY keypad can be used to overcome the small keypad and provide easier access to the mobile phone. There are other solutions and support that are not commonly known to the broader community. •

Universal Design principles [9, 10] are currently being promoted to encourage manufacturers to make their products usable by a greater percentage of the population. The Trace Center [11] has developed a mobile phone specification to meet all the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) proposed access requirements. The Trace Center Reference Design 1 incorporates features such as volume control that enables the phone to be used in noisy environments, speaker-phone function for handsfree use, infrared port for wireless connection to computer or modem, and a button that allows you to have the label for any key read to you as well as the contents of the menus and features of the phone. These features are already available to us, but scattered throughout different mobile phone manufacturers and models.



For hearing aid users, in Australia, Telstra, Optus and Vodafone have a scheme to assist hearing aid users. For example, Telstra [12] will provide to persons eligible for the scheme one of the following offers: • Hands-free accessories to suit their existing GSM phone; • Transfer from their existing Telstra MobileNet GSM Digital plan to a nominated 12month Telstra MobileNet CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) Freedom plan. • Inductive loop for those customers who have a compatible handset (Nokia 51xx, or 61xx).



For hearing and speech impaired customer, the NRS (National Relay Service) of the Australian Communication Exchange (ACE) [13] could provide a possible solution(s) to meet specific needs. The NRS provides the following call relay services 24hrs a day every day of the year: • • •

Voice to text Voice Carry Over (VCO) VCO to VCO

• • •

Text to voice Hearing Carry Over (HCO) Text emergency service

VCO is a feature that allows TTY users with good speech to talk, while using the TTY to read, as text, the incoming message or reply. HCO provides individuals with speech impairment that are not deaf or hard of hearing, the ability to type their messages on a TTY device for the call takers and hear the call takers spoken responses or replies. All of these services are available for normal phone users and only some of these services are available for mobile phone users. •

There are Internet websites that provides valuable information for mobile phone users. The ACOLUG (Augmentative Communication On-Line Users Group) [14], for example, is a LISTSERV created to exchange ideas, information and experiences on augmentative communication by people from all over the world. Their archive, compiled over many years, lists an extensive range of issues regarding mobile phone and users. It is also a site where you can e-mail people to discuss issues related to augmentative communication, such as equipment, funding, learning techniques and supports.

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Features that are important to people with disability An investigation of the literature and information from manufactures’ data sheets as well as websites was conducted to determine which current mobile phone brands and models are most suitable for people categorised into four main groups of disabilities – Mobility, Dexterity, Hearing and Visually impaired. Table 2 and 3 shows the results from Motorola and Ericsson brands. Speech and language as well as cognitive impaired categories were not included in this investigation due to the fact that no specific features are aimed at these groups. However, with an appropriate interface, these groups can still benefit from most of the features available. V2088 Hot keys/quick dialling (#)

V2288 (9)

V3688 (9)

T2288 (9)

T2688

T300

(9)

L Series+

A6188

(9)

Voice dialling (#) Voice answer Voice mail Predictive text Plug-in - keypad Handsfree - Headset

(9)

Boom Handsfree - Earpiece & micro. (Portable/vehicle) Vibrating alert Volume control Electronic email/SMS SMS

SMS

SMS

SMS

SMS

SMS

SMS

SMS

5 lines

4 lines contrast control

4 lines

4 lines

High resol.

Key feedback - Displayed 3 lines

4 lines









5 lines contrast control “

Small "

Medium "

Medium "

Medium "

Medium "

Medium "

Small

Small

Small

Small

Small

Small

Key feedback - Audible Keys - Enlarged Keys - tactile Keys - audible Keys - Large characters Plug-in - display Additional features Speaker phone FM radio MP3 handsfree Wireless communication

“ audio cues Medium Nib around "5" Small

Infrared modem Voice Note

Other

“ "

Infrared modem Voice Note Touch screen

Table 2. Features that some popular Motorola phone models have. A2618s Hot keys/quick dialing (#) Voice dialling (#) Voice answer Voice mail Predictive text Plug-in - chatboard Handsfree - Headset

R310s

R320s

(9) (10)

Wireless Handsfree - Earpiece & micro. (Portable/vehicle)

R380s

T10s

T18s (9)

(10)

Wireless

Wireless

voice activated

voice activated

T20s

T28s

(9) (10)

(10)

(9) (10)

Wireless

Vibrating alert Volume control Electronic email/SMS SMS

both

Both

SMS

SMS

SMS

extra wide "

3 lines "

3 lines "

"

"

Key feedback - Displayed 4 lines "

5 lines "

Keys – Enlarged (size) Keys - tactile

audio cues Medium Nibs around "5"

Medium "

Medium "

Medium "

Small "

Small "

Small "

Small "

Keys - audible Keys - Large characters Plug-in - display

Medium

Medium

Medium

Medium

Small

Small

Small

Small

Infrared modem Active flip

Infrared modem Active flip

Key feedback - Audible

Additional features Speaker phone FM radio MP3 handsfree Wireless communication

-

Other

Infrared modem

Infrared modem Voice memo

Voice memo

Infrared modem

Infrared modem Active flip

Table 3. Features that some popular Ericsson phone models have.

Mobility/Dexterity impaired

Hearing impaired

Visually impaired

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A Proposed Five-Step Selection Process Unfortunately, no structured process exists to guide people with disabilities through the process of choosing an appropriate model phone model. The following proposed five-step process is not intended to be expert recommendation but a more structured guide for people with disability when choosing a mobile. The aim of the process is to narrow down the options available and eventually come up with the most appropriate choice. 1. Identification of user's general needs (social, emotional and physical) The first step is to come up with a prioritised list of needs through discussion with family members, friends or therapists. A list of needs is useful for the service provider and sales assistance in determining the services and choices available. Some of the important issues and points to consider when putting together this list, includes: What will be the primary use for the phone – SMS, Emergency, Chatting, Internet etc? How often will the phone be used on a daily, weekly and monthly basis? This is used to determine the most appropriate service plan. Are there any phone brands and models preferred over another? This will significantly narrow down the choices. What is the budget set-aside for spending on the mobile phone? This is very much a "help us to help you" approach from the service provider's point of view. Both the customer and service provider can benefit from this preparation, since more than often, a customer whether disabled or not, does not have a good idea of what they really need. 2. User's Requirements There are unlimited numbers of features available with most current phone models. However, no one particular phone will have all the features and functions that a user from a certain group of disability will need. Knowing what features or functions that are required for a particular group of disability can significantly narrow down the options and make the process of choosing the appropriate phone model simpler. Table 4 shows some essential and desirable features that are useful to have for particular group of disability. Information from this table can be a useful guide in determining the user requirements of a particular disability. Distinctive features for more specific disability can be determine from a consultation with a therapist through a skills evaluation at a local clinic or support centre. 3. Matching user needs and requirements with the available services and features of current mobile phone models. The process of matching needs and requirements with mobile phone features is the most time consuming process and often requires: the assistance of a specialist for information on availability of phone model(s) that supports particular type of disability. A catalogue of current mobile phones would be useful. shopping around for a mobile phone and service provider who can advise on the suitable mobile and accessories. A database or tool that matches the requirements from a particular group of disability with the features and functions of currently available mobile phone models could be extremely useful in this situation. Unfortunately, no such system currently exists. A list of available options is the outcome from this step. 4. Narrowing the options through trialing. Knowing the available options does not guarantee the right choice of mobile phone and services. Quite often, where the opportunity exists, trialling out the available options under everyday use will eventuate in the most appropriate choice. There are occasions where modifications and fabrications of alternate solutions are required to make the choice more suitable. In extreme cases, there might be no appropriate solutions that exist. 5. Implementing the choice with training, follow up and follow along. Finally, this step involves acquiring of the final solution obtained from step 4 and includes: training of basic operation as well as ongoing training of strategies for using the device. follow up and follow along phase similar to other service delivery process.

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Impairment Categories Mobility Hearing

Visual

Dexterity

Speech and language Cognitive

Essentials and Desirable Features Refer to Table 2 and 3 Hard of Hearing: Ringing signal (visual) Vibrating alert Voice mail Voice dialling SMS Moderate: Voice mail Voice dialling Tactile & audible signals Enlarged keys High contrast display Weak grip: Enlarged keys Portable handsfree Handset Easy grip, lightweight, ergonomic shape Moderate: SMS Predictive text Memory: Hot key / fast dialling Voice dialling

Deaf: SMS Predictive text Key feedback – display Vibrating alert Visual alert indicator Severe: Voice mail Voice dialling Tactile & audible signals Enlarged keys Text adjustable display Hand tremor: Speakerphone Voice mail Voice dialling Enlarged keys Plug in keyboard Severe: Keyboard / synthetic speech communicators such as Pathfinder Perception: Hot key / fast dialling Voice dialling

-

Blind: Voice mail Voice dialling Tactile & audible signals Limited use of hands / arms (can not use fingers / one arm): Voice mail Voice dialling Speakerphone Conceptualising and problems solving: Hot key / fast dialling Voice dialling Portable Handsfree

Table 4. Essential and/or desirable features considered appropriate for each category of disability.

Conclusion The information provided in this paper is intended as general information on the mobile phone industry. The investigation is by no means an extensive source and the five-step process, only a general guide for people with disability when choosing a mobile phone. There are no expert system or advisory services available as yet and hopefully such system or services will be in place in the near future to aid people with disabilities in the process of choosing an appropriate mobile phone for their needs.

Acknowledgments This work is undertaken as part of a Strategic Partnerships with Industry Research and Training Scheme (SPIRT) project funded by The Australian Research Council / Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs (DETYA), entitled “Accessible Mobile Communication for People with Disabilities”.

References 1. 2. 3.

Motorola’s mobile phones, http://commerce.motorola.com/consumer/QWhtml/newproducts.html Ericsson’s mobile phones, http://www.ericsson.com/consumers/spg.jsp?page=frames Nokia’s mobile phones, http://www.nokiaasia.com/nokia_apac/asia_pacific/product_catalog_mobile_phones_latest/0,13767,,00.html

4.

5. 6. 7. 8.

9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.

Brandt, Å. (Ed.) a.o. (1996). Mobile Telephones: The disabled persons’ guide to choosing a mobile telephone. Danish Centre for technical aids for rehabilitation and education, Dept. Universal Design / 95. Translated to English by British Telecom. ISBN 87-89407-55-5. Wireless Application Protocol Technology, http://www.roseindia.net/wap/ General Packet Relay Radio Service Technology, http://www.gsmworld.com/technology/gprs.html Third Generation Network, http://www.3gnewsroom.com/ Bluetooth Technology, http://www.bluetooth.com/ Follette "Maximizing Usability: The Principles of University Design" Assistive Technology Vol. 10.1/1998, PP 4-12, RESNA Press. Vanderheiden "Universal Design and Assistive Technology in Communication and Information Technologies: Alternatives or Complements?" Assistive Technology Vol. 10.1/1998, pp. 29-36, RESNA Press. Trace Center Reference Design 1, http://trace.wisc.edu/docs/phones/ Hearing Aid Users Scheme, www.telstra.com.au/mobilenet/phones/hearing.htm The Australia Communication Exchange, www.aceInfo.net.au Augmentative Communication On-Line Users Group, http://www.temple.edu/inst_disabilities/acolug/

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