Mobile Phones as Assistive and Accessible Technology for People with Disabilities

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Author(s): John T. Morris (Shepherd Center, USA), James L. Mueller (Shepherd Center, USA)and Michael L. Jones (Shepherd Center, USA)
Copyright: 2015
Pages: 17
Source title: Encyclopedia of Mobile Phone Behavior
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Zheng Yan (University at Albany, State University of New York, USA)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-8239-9.ch116

Keywords: Human Aspects of Technology / Information Science Reference / Mobile and Wireless Computing / Social Sciences & Humanities

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Abstract

Mobile phones have contributed substantially to greater levels of social participation and independence by people with disabilities. Mobile phone technologies (including tablets) have become increasingly powerful, sophisticated, flexible, and ubiquitous since the first commercial mobile wireless phone call was made on October 13, 1983. In 2007, the launch of the first iPhone with its capacitive touchscreen interface ushered in a new era of accessibility, usability, and assistive technology for people with disabilities. Still, important economic and accessibility barriers to greater mobile phone use by people with disabilities remain. The evolution of mobile phone behaviors of people with sensory, physical, and cognitive disabilities is closely intertwined with the development of ever more powerful and flexible mobile phone technology, as well as the evolution of statutory and regulatory requirements for accessibility and use. This article summarizes these developments, by first identifying and defining disabilities, then distinguishing between assistive technology and accessible technology. Finally, the complex evolution of mobile phone technology and mobile phone behaviors by people with disabilities is reviewed.

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Mobile Phones as Assistive and Accessible Technology for People with Disabilities

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