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Workplace RERC


State of the Science Conference
September 15-16, 2005

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Universal Design in Telecommunications: Putting Practice into Policy

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Slides Index Slides 1-10 Slides 11-20 Slides 21-30 Slides 31-39

Slides On This Page

  1. Access Feature Solutions: Hearing Impairment
  2. Access Feature Solutions: Speech Impairment
  3. Access Feature Solutions: Mobility Impairment
  4. Drawbacks
  5. Market Monitoring Report: Consumer Survey Results
  6. Market Monitoring Report: Consumer Survey Results
  7. Market Monitoring Report: Consumer Survey Results
  8. Market Monitoring Report: Consumer Survey Results
  9. Market Monitoring Report: Consumer Survey Results
  10. Market Monitoring Report: Consumer Survey Results

Slide 21 of 39

Access Feature Solutions: Hearing Impairment

Slide 22 of 39

Access Feature Solutions: Speech Impairment

Connectivity port: Allows user to connect product to either an AT device (e.g., a communication aid) or another mainstream device (e.g., a laptop computer or PDA) in order to accomplish a telecommunication function

Text communication option: Allows user to type (or enter text some other way) and read content instead of listen and speak

Slide 23 of 39

Access Feature Solutions: Mobility Impairment

  • Any-button answer
  • Automatic redial
  • Connectivity port
  • Controls grouped by function
  • Headset jack (usually with audio cutoff)
  • Lightweight
  • Redial
  • Large buttons
  • Speakerphone
  • Speech recognition controls
  • Speed dial
  • Stable and operable when placed on flat surface
  • Transfer number from Caller ID into speed dial
  • User can dial 911 without dialing ‘9’ first

    • Slide 24 of 39

    Drawbacks

  • Small firms lack resources
  • Compatibility will always be needed
  • Increase in product time to market
  • Increase in consumer complaints
  • Additional time and expertise

    • Slide 25 of 39

    Market Monitoring Report: Consumer Survey Results

  • 1,017 consumers with disabilities
  • 44% hearing impaired
  • 38% vision impaired
  • 19% mobility/manipulation impaired
  • 8% speech impaired
  • 4% cognitive impaired

    • Slide 26 of 39

    Market Monitoring Report: Consumer Survey Results

  • 83% had a single disability
  • 18% had multiple disabilities

    • Slide 27 of 39

    Market Monitoring Report: Consumer Survey Results

    Products most frequently used:

  • Standard wireline phone
  • Answering machine
  • Cordless phone
  • Modem
  • E-mail
  • Fax
  • Wireless phone (voice)

    • Slide 28 of 39

    Market Monitoring Report: Consumer Survey Results

    Products most frequently used:

  • Pager
  • Voice mail
  • TTY
  • Caller ID
  • Chat/Instant messaging
  • Wireless phone (text)

    • Respondents averaged 5.6 products

    Slide 29 of 39

    Market Monitoring Report: Consumer Survey Results

    Slide 30 of 39

    Market Monitoring Report: Consumer Survey Results

  • AT Used with Telecom Products – Vision:
  • Screen reader computer program and speech synthesizer
  • Screen magnifier computer program
  • Braille display
  • Closed circuit TV or external screen magnifier

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