Mobile Phone Features Explained

To help manage calls:

Call waiting and call hold

Allows you to accept a second incoming call with out losing the original call, then switch back and forth between them.

Call forwarding

Allows you answer your cell phone calls at another phone number.

Call barring

Allows you to restrict outgoing or incoming calls, such as calls to international numbers.

Conference Calling

Allows you to talk with two other parties simultaneously.

Voicemail with message alert

If you are unable to answer the phone, this feature allows the caller to record a voice message that you can play back at your convenience, and notifies you that a message is waiting .

To make physical tasks easier:

Clamshell (flip-phone) design 

This design more compact and protects controls and display, but requires more manual dexterity .

Flat (non-folding) design 

This design requires less dexterity but takes up more space, and the controls and display are more vulnerable.

One-touch/speed dialling

Allows you to call a person or business in your phone directory without entering the entire number

Voice dialling

Allows you to call a person or business by speaking the name.

Automatic redial

Allows your phone to keep dialling a number for you until the call goes through.

Headset jack

Allows you to conduct conversations hands-free, yet more privately than with a speaker phone.

Bluetooth for cordless hands-free

Allows you to speak and listen through an earpiece which has no physical attachment to the phone.

Speakerphone

Allows you to communicate without holding the phone.

Automatic answer 

Answers the call after a certain number of rings (especially helpful when using speakerphone or hands-free headset) ***

Voice recognition for menu selection

Allows you to choose options and functions by speaking them.

Audible alerts for battery & signal strength

Phone beeps and gives visual message that battery is low.

Choice of Ringer Tones

The phone may be programmed to make various sounds for incoming calls and message alerts.

Extended battery life

Reduces handling of batteries and charger, usually with a larger, heavier battery.

Predictive text with ability to add to dictionary 

Phone predicts a whole word from the first few letters of the word being typed using an inbuilt dictionary which can be added to.

Dial out buffer memory

Number to be called can be entered and checked on display before sending.

Guarded/recessed keys

Keys that are recessed or guarded in some way are easier to press and reduce the possibility of pressing the wrong key.

Automatic hang up

Phone ends the call when the other person hangs up.

To make visual tasks easier:

Colour display 

Presents visual information in full colour

Adjustable display brightness and contrast

Allows you to customize the display to your needs.

Adjustable display font

Allows you to choose the type face and size easiest for you to read.

Adjustable display scroll speed

Allows you to control how fast the display moves from one line to the next.

Audio feedback for control inputs

Provides audio alerts and feedback for functions such as when voice mail is received or phone is turned on.

Voice output of displayed information

Information displayed on screen, such as battery level, is presented by voice.

Manuals and billing statements in alternate formats

Allows you the option of reading the phone's manual and getting your bills online or in other formats more usable for you

To make auditory tasks easier:

Silent (vibrating) ringer

Alerts you to incoming calls without sound.

Adjustable audio volume

Allows you to adjust the volume to suit your hearing and your surroundings.

Microphone amplification

Adjustable volume control of microphone to amplify outgoing speech.

Visual feedback for control inputs

Provides visual alerts and feedback on the display for functions such as when voice mail is received.

Text messaging 

Allows you to send messages using the phone's keypad.

Picture messaging

Allows you to send pictures which have been taken/downloaded on your phone.

Instant messaging

Allows you to carry on a text-message conversation in real time.

Email/internet access 

Allows you to access information and communicate via the internet.

Hearing aid compatibility 

Allows use of a hearing aid without feedback.

TTY compatibility

Allows you to couple a text telephone to your cell phone.

Neckloop/TLoop compatibility

Allows you to use adaptive accessories for hard-of-hearing users.

Video Calling

Allows caller to view the person spoken to during the call.

Video Messaging

Allows recipient to view caller while listening to caller's message.

Allows caller to view the person spoken to during the call.

To make mental tasks easier:

Caller ID

Displays the number of the party calling you on your phone.

Caller ID with photo option 

Displays a photo of the caller.

Menu prompts and cues

Guide you through the menu.

Reminder function 

Allows you to set a reminder of an upcoming event and have the phone alert you at the appropriate time.

Choice of ringer tones

Allows you to assign different ring tones to incoming calls, voice mail, or to identify specific callers.

Picture messaging

Allows you to attach a photo to a text message.

Special features:

Digital camera

Allows you to take photos and save them for later use or send them along with a message.

Personal data assistant (PDA)

Provides additional functions such as a miniature keyboard, calendar, contact list, MP3 player, voice recorder, universal remote control, ability to share data with another handheld device or a personal computer, expanded memory capacity for storing documents, music, or photos, and expansion slots to add features such as additional memory, a modem, or a network card.

Navigation aid (global positioning system - GPS)

Allows you to locate your position on a map, accurate to within a few feet.

For more comprehensive definitions and explanations go to the ACIF Code on Information about Accessibility in Telephone Equipment.

Disclaimer

The pages in the Disability Access area of AMTA's website are to assist users of those pages with general information on consumer issues. Specific circumstances may affect any information provided above. The tips are not intended to provide advice of any kind in relation to particular circumstances, nor are they intended to endorse, recommend, or guarantee any companies, organisations, products, or services that are mentioned.

Users of this website must make their own enquiries and, where necessary obtain their own independent advice in relation to any of the activities referred to in the Disability Access, and of the companies, organisations, products or services mentioned in these pages.

AMTA accepts no responsibility for the consequences of any decisions that users may make as a result of any information they have gained from AMTA's Disability Access pages.