Large Button Cell Phone
My father-in-law who has wet macular degenerattion has become uncomfortable going out and walking by himself. Although he could certainly benefit from going to orientation and mobility training, he could also consider taking the cell phone with him to give him some security. If he stayed just in their little subdivision he could get some good exercise - which is very important for our eye health - but feel comfortable knowing that he could call his wife if he ever felt disoriented or lost. Low Vision Cell PhoneMy husband has a fancy cell phone that performs all kinds of functions, but the buttons are so small I have to have glasses on to see the numbers and it is very easy to press the wrong button.At this time I have found two large button cell phones. They are the Jitterbug and Doro HandleEasy 326i GSM Cell Phone. JitterbugJitterbug features:
√ Bigger, backlit buttons that have yellow rings around them making the buttons stand out and easy to see √ Large and easy to read font √ White text on a black key providing the best contrast for people with macular degeneration. √ Powerful speaker make the sound loud and clear. √ Helpful,live, 24-hour Jitterbug operators greet you by name, make calls for you, provide directory assistance, and add names to your phone list. √ Affordable. Service starts at just $10 a month. No long term contracts. No long distance or roaming fees. Add on Minutes don't expire for up to a year. Easy to use. There is a "one touch" version that only has 3 large keys - operator, emergency and a third number that can be programmed with any name. Click on the Jitterbug box to the right if you want to know more. Doro HandleEasy 326i GSM Cell PhoneThis large button cell phone has a large keypad and a large display screen for easier viewing. Display size - 0.9" x 1.4"Includes wall charger, battery, and hands free ear-bud set.
 Continuous talk time - up to 140 hours Caller ID Memory - 15 numbers Vibration Alert Speaker Phone Volume Control Backlit Keypad and Display 20 Name Phone Book 4 Memory Buttons 15 Number Redial Memory .25" numbers on keypad This phone is purchased separate from a cell phone carrier. Which means that you go to a local cell phone service provider store and sign up for one of their plans. To get the phone working, all that is needed to do is to put the carrier's SIM card into the phone. Please check with your carrier to find out if they utilize SIM cards. PHONE REQUIRES SIM CARD TO OPERATE. After purchasing a 326i, simply visit a wireless carrier store(T-Mobile, AT&T, etc.) and they will provide and install the SIM card for you. It also works with pre-paid SIM card providers, so it will work without a contract. To learn more about this large button phone click here:
iPhone
The iPhone is great low vision technology. As you can see the icons or applications are very easy to see - they can be enlarged to several different sizes. By simply pressing the phone icon, the contact list comes up. The contact list can be arranged alphabetically or by listing your "Favorites." By simply touching the name, the number is dialed. The text or font of the names in your contact list can be enlarged by using the zoom text feature. Cell Phone MagnifierIf you or the loved one with macular degeneration has a cell phone already and is familiar with how it works it might be best to NOT change to a new phone. In that case try this cell phone magnifier for under $7 first.
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