Three of the major mobile phone companies offer special resources for customers with visual impairments. In addition, there is a phone company that specializes in providing accessible cell phone service for people with visual impairments.
AT&T
AT&T National Center for Customers with Disabilities customer service representatives can offer specialized product and service support for individuals with disabilities, including those who are blind or visually impaired.
Representatives can be reached by phone (866-241-6568) Monday through Friday, 7 am to 9 pm Eastern, or by e-mail.
Representatives can offer help with:
- Device activations, setup, and support
- Plans and services
- Suggesting devices that best meet your individual accessibility needs
- Accessible product documentation
- Troubleshooting information, including help with accessibility software
- Questions about your account, transactions, or service
- Braille or large print billing
Additionally, AT&T also offers their Android phone customers a free copy of Code Factory's Mobile Access for Android, a suite of 11 accessible applications designed for people who are visually impaired.
Sprint
Sprint Support for Customers with Disabilities specializes in providing customer care and support for individuals with disabilities, including those who are blind or visually impaired.
You can reach a representative by phone (855-885-7568) from 6 am to11 pm Central, or by e-mail.
Representatives can provide support for:
- Device activations, setup, and support
- Plans and services
- Suggesting devices that best meet your individual accessibility needs
- Accessible product documentation
- Troubleshooting information, including help with accessibility software
- Questions about your account, transactions, or service
- Braille or large print billing
People with visual impairments may also obtain accessible device recommendations at the Sprint Accessibility Store.
Sprint also offers dedicated customer care support for individuals who are interested in registering for Sprint IP Relay. IP Relay is a form of text-based telecommunications relay service (TRS) that allows individuals who are deaf, deafblind, have hearing loss, or have speech disabilities to place relay calls over the Internet via a laptop or computer. Currently, Sprint is the only IP Relay service provider in the US.
To register, visit the Sprint relay page, or send an e-mail.
T-Mobile and Odin Mobile
If you're considering a T-Mobile plan, you may wish to check out Odin Mobile (855-217-9459). This third-party cell provider offers service and cell phones customized to meet the accessibility needs of people who are blind. They offer accessible feature and smartphones that run over the T-Mobile network. Both subscription and "pay-as-you-go" plans are available. Tech support is free, including help from the company's accessibility representative.
Verizon
Verizon recently opened their National Accessibility Customer Service Center. Representatives are available by phone (888-262-1999) Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm Eastern.
The center is staffed with representatives who are trained to support customers who may need additional assistance due to a physical or cognitive impairment.
Representatives can provide support for:
- Products and services
- Suggesting devices that work best with accessibility
- Plans
- Accessible product documentation
- Troubleshooting information, including help with accessibility software
- Questions about your account, transactions, or service
