Mobile Phones for People with Disabilities

Abstract

Nowadays, the demand for mobile phones by people with special needs is evolving. Disabled people can utilize mobile phones for personal communication, security, social integration, and autonomy. Personal communication is one of the most important reasons that disabled person uses a mobile phone. For example, people with motor disabilities cannot easily reach the wired telephone within a limited period of time when it rings. Security is another reason that most disabled people strive for. In case of emergency, illness, or accident, mobile phones are considered a fast communication channel. Furthermore, to keep in touch with society and to feel autonomous, people with special needs think that the mobile phone is a good medium for social integration and self-independence (Abascal & Civit, 2000).