Short Description

The correct telephone may be the most important means of keeping in touch with family and friends. It may also be the method of calling for assistance in an emergency situation.

The FIRST STEP is to consider your requirements.
- Is your present phone satisfactory?
- Do you find it difficult to use?
- Can you hear when it rings and can you hear when people talk to you?
- Do you have difficulty getting to the phone in time?
- When you are tired or disturbed, do you find it difficult to remember how to dial a number for assistance?

More Details

FEATURES
* Handsfree Telephone
* There is no need to hold the receiver.
* Some calls can be answered from a distance by pressing a button on a transmitter worn by the person.
* Volume Control may enable you to hear the caller.

Voice Amplifier
* This makes it easier for others to hear a softly spoken person.

Head Phones
* There is a range to fit most phones to save you holding the receiver.

Very Large Buttons
* Large Numbers.

Large Adhesive Numbers
* To attach to regular button or dial phones.

Widely Spaced Buttons
* Are available on some models

Flashing Light or Vibrating Alarm
* To alert a person with hearing impairment that the phone is ringing.

Loud and Variable Tone Ringer
* To alert a person the phone is ringing.

Synthesised Voice
* "Speaks" the numbers as they are pressed for people with vision impairment.

Telephone Typewriter
* For people who cannot communicate because of lacking of speech and/or hearing.

TELEPHONE OPTIONS

Dial Telephones
* Dial telephones are no longer readily available, but some people feel comfortable with their familiarity.
Disadvantages
* No memory facilities.
* No redial.
* Are not compatible with most monitored personal alarm systems.
* Require good hand function.

Push Button Telephones
Features
* Memory function where frequently used numbers can be called again at the press of one button.

Disadvantages
* Difficult for some people to learn to use.
* Some have small buttons set close together.
* Numbering is sometimes hard to read.

Cordless Phones
Features
* Similar to push button phone but buttons are smaller.
* Portable around the house and garden.
* Can be carried on a belt or in a pocket.
* Saves hurrying to get up and move to the phone to answer, thus preventing some falls.
* Can be useful in case of an emergency

Under the Telstra Disability Equipment Program, this phone can be rented for the same hire charge as a standard telephone. Contact Telstra Disability Enquiry Hotline