Nowadays, the use of cell phones has become a really necessary good when it comes to communication, because in the make calls or messages starting from this, it is possible to communicate much faster with our loved ones or acquaintances.
But, What about blind people? These blind or visually impaired people, for years they have been very limited to the use of these devices, since it is almost completely impossible to maneuver them.
As good news, here in look how it is done we want to inform you that currently There is a cell phone for blind people, so that in this way they can also be in communication at all times, like all of us.
How Mobile Phones Work For The Blind
Mobile features for the blind
Over time, phones have been updated when Apple launched in 2009 with a screen reader called VoiceOver, totally Google did the same with TalkBack on Android.
These functions are designed for the visually impaired or even for the blind, allowing them to have access to telephones in a simple way and thus themselves to be able to carry out their activities, either texting, making calls, managing your bank. accounts, make purchases and among other things.
Samsung mobile phones for the blind or blind
Currently most Samsung phones allow it to be used by the blind or people with vision problems this with the TalkBack function but Samsung has launched a phone that is specially developed for people with this disability this phone is the Samsung Galaxy Core Advance that has functions Focused for people with visual fatigue or even blindness.
This Samsung includes a greater number of keys and a coated back cover that facilitates its use and also has several functions that tell the user by voice what functions are being used, so it also includes an optical scanner that automatically recognizes the text from a photograph and reads it aloud to the user, be it a book, an electricity bill, a letter, among other things.
How Blind People Can Handle Mobile Phones
Blind people can manage their mobile either Android or iPhone in the following way:
In the case of Android, should activate the TalkBack feature that is designed for them, this feature gives you voice feedback and notifications.
To activate TalkBack on Android can be done in several ways:
The first way is by pressing both volume keys to activate and deactivate
- Look for the volume keys on the sides of the phone.
- Hold them down for 3 seconds.
- You must confirm that you want to activate or deactivate by pressing the volume keys again during 3 seconds.
One suggestion is that TalkBack reads the password characters by default, you can change it so that the device does not read the safe field characters aloud unless you are wearing headphones.
The second way to activate TalkBack is by using the Google Assistant to do it, you just have to say it with a clear voice
- Hello Google
- Di activar TalkBack o desactivar TalkBack
And finally, the recipe to activate TalkBack is in the device settings.
If you have poor vision or are only helping a blind person, you can navigate through settings to enable or disable TalkBack.
- On the device, go to settings.
- you must select accessibility where it says TalkBack.
- enable or disable the option to use it.
- finally press accept.
In the case that you have an iPhone cell phone, we have the VoiceOver function, which is a screen reader that is based on gestures that allows you to use your iPhone even when you don't see the screen..
VoiceOver gives you audible descriptions of what's on the touch screen, battery level, who is calling you and even what application is active on the screen.
When you press the screen or drag your finger on it, VoiceOver tells you the name of what you're playing, both icons and text. VoiceOver also tells you when screen brightness is on or when it's locked and tells you when your phone's screen is horizontal or vertical.
To activate or deactivate VoiceOver there are several methods among them we have
- Activate Siri and say in a clear and understandable voice “activar VoiceOver” O “desactivar VoiceOver”.
- The second method is to press the side button three times (on iPhone with Face ID)
- Pressing the start button three times
- Use the control center by going to the settings where it says VoiceOver Accessibility and enable or disable this feature.
It should be noted that in addition to these TalkBack functions for Android or VoiceOver for iPhone there are also applications that allow blind people to carry out their activities on a mobile device. These applications will be mentioned later..
Are there mobile phones intended for blind people?
Today there are different companies that have been entrusted with the task of bringing these devices to light, that are adapted to the needs of people with visual disability, but they are not specifically intended for the blind, since no similar one has come to light.
On the other hand, Among the brands of companies that have risked taking out cell phones of these characteristics we have as an example Blind shell.
What is Blind Shell?
These mobile phones were designed following guidelines issued by organizations of the blind and partially sighted “SONS”, to cover as much as possible the needs of these people.
These mobile devices come bundled with special buttons for these people, plus a voice recognition system, that will allow them to dial phone numbers, send messages and even write emails.
One of its most outstanding features is the SOS button that is integrated, since from there it will be possible to call a friend in emergency case, since this number will be registered, exclusively for those cases.
Basic functions of Blind Shell
This cell phone has light features, so you can make calls, send messages, know what day it is by the calendar integrated. It also has a radio that works by using the internet and audio players, as well as personalized ringtones to identify each user.
Other basic functions for which it stands out is speed dial, which is a kind of shortcut or direct access to a contact and the use of being able to program several alarms that indicate a specific event.
In its advanced functions highlight the use of voice commands to be able to use text messages and email, reading of object labels ideal for going to the supermarket, emergency button and color indicator.
It also has weather forecast functions by which you can know how the weather is before leaving home and the company is committed to making constant updates to improve the functions and also the lives of these people.
How to buy from Blind Shell?
It's very simple, you just have to go to your preferred browser and type in the search bar “blind shell“. Then enter the first option that comes out and once inside go to the section”e-shop“located in the upper right of the orange screen.
Once you press the the button will direct you to the store, where you must select the device you want, the language and color of your preference. All you have to do is enter the payment method and voila.
Are there other alternatives for blind people?
Yes, of course, there is a wide variety of applications that can be downloaded to mobile devices, whether they are systems Works with Android or iOS. These applications are intended to make the day-to-day life of these people easier and more bearable..
Among them they have applications to locate us in our GPS, to be able to read our screen and messages, even applications designed to make video calls in the moment while you walk so that other sighted users can guide you without any problem.
Of course, the applications are endless and with different specific reasons, so you just have to search your store for applications of this type. It is expected that during the next few years there will be devices designed exclusively to be people that make its use really comfortable.
Applications for the blind or visually impaired
There are various applications for blind or visually impaired people for both Android and iPhone, in the case of Android we have:
BrailleBack: It is an application of the Android service that benefits people with visual disabilities who use a Braille device (bright lines, brailler printers, Brailler keyboards)
Works in conjunction with the TalkBack app. This application allows you to connect with an upgradeable Braille display compatible with the device via bluetooth
Voice access: use voice recognition on the device, capable of making life more comfortable for millions of people. This Google service is designed for those who suffer from diseases that prevent manipulation of a touch screen or who have permanent or temporary physical limitations to manage their mobile devices just by using their voice.
It is a great and true browsing experience, since it has many actions like browsing apps, write and edit texts, interact with the search engine assistant, etc.
I know my eyes: is created to help the visually impaired. The power of technology and human connection combine to bring sight to people with vision loss through video chat. It's free, it's easy to use and it's in spanish. Be my eyes translated into spanish Nace “Be my eyes”, thanks to the Danish philosopher and craftsman Hans Jorgen Wiberg who suffers from vision problems and is aware of the difficulties that these types of people can have on a daily basis.
This app connects you to a global network of non-visually impaired volunteers who are willing and ready to help at any time.
