Services Update
Page 19
Putting accessible cell phones in members' hands
In July the pilot for the TALKS Technology Project was completed. Eleven members aged 23-87 participated in a three week training programme learning how to use adaptive software, in this case Nuance's TALKS, with Nokia mobile phones from Vodafone, the Foundation's lead partner in Adaptive Technology (AT).
Independence is the key driving force behind many members taking the plunge. Being able to use a mobile phone to easily stay in contact with family and friends was important, as was having a safety net if members were stranded on the side of the road or missed the train.
The desire to join the "texting" revolution and being able to keep in contact with their children and friends, both locally and internationally, has opened up a whole new world to many. Members also felt it was a breach of their privacy to have someone send or else read texts for them as was the case "BT" (Before TALKS).
Another important factor for some in the pilot was to be seen to have the same, if not "cooler" mobile technology than their sighted peers. Multi-media functions like video, video calling, camera, radio and being able to watch (or listen) to news, sport, music videos and movie trailers on their mobile, were all a real hit with many in the pilot.
By week three the participants were really enjoying the whole experience and were very reluctant to give the phones back!
After seeing what TALKS can do the partner of one member said to her, "I don't care what it takes or how much it costs, we are going to do everything we can to get you one of these phones."
Since the end of the pilot, the Foundation has been looking at how to best roll out a training programme to members who are using or want to learn how to use Adaptive Technology on mobile phones.
The Foundation is also working with Vodafone on a bundle deal which will include TALKS software and a Nokia mobile at an affordable price. An announcement could be made in early October.