Nokia
"Many of our phones and accessories already make functions easier, even though they were not developed directly for disabled consumers. We're taking that one-step further and designing specifically with accessibility in mind", said David J. Dzumba, Director of Industry Solutions for Nokia Corporation.
U.S. Government Mandates Accessibility
Nokia's good intentions were reinforced by federal requirements of all manufacturers. Section 255 of The Telecommunications Act of 1996 required that all manufacturers of customer telecommunications products including cellular phones be usable by people with disabilities. "At first, we viewed this as a legislative requirement, said David Dzumba, "But as we got more involved and realized the impact we could have, it became a mission."
In 1998, the potential impact became even greater. That year, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments was passed, adopting the Section 255 requirements in guidelines for procurement of information technology by all federal agencies. As a $37 billion per year customer, the federal government effectively mandated universal design not only for telecommunications equipment, but for all electronic technologies. Section 508 took effect on June 21, 2001.
Accommodating Customers with Disabilities
"Nokia is committed to pursuing accessibility solutions for all people, including individuals with disabilities," says the company's website. As an example, the Nokia LPS-1 and LPS-3 Loopsets allow people with hearing aids to use digital mobile phones without the typical buzz/hum interference. First launched in Europe in April 1998 and later in the US, the Loopset was designed by senior Nokia engineer Mikko Haho, hard of hearing since birth.
Each Loopset has a built-in microphone for hands-free operation and is compatible with a variety of Nokia wireless phones. It uses induction technology to transmit the sound from the mobile phone directly to a person's hearing aid. It is available from Nokia dealers and Nokia itself.
Nokia mobile phones have other accessories to improve access for customers with a variety of disabilities - headsets, wheelchair holders, recharging stands, and vibrating batteries for hard of hearing users.
The Nokia Data Suite, meanwhile, allows hearing-impaired users to use text-based functionality (SMS/Internet/E-mail/fax) with a laptop and GSM phones. Nokia also provides wireless internet access with the Nokia Communicator.
Then there are various operating features. One-touch dialling provides instant access for checking messages and, more importantly, emergency situations such as calling 911. Easy-to-use interface and menus are smartly designed to "know" what you're thinking. Large screen displays with help menus make seeing and understanding the display simpler. Tactile feedback lets you know each time a key has been pressed, and adjustable ringing tones to accommodate various levels of frequency sensitivity. Nokia phones are also compatible with TTYs.
Nokia invites requests for user manuals in alternate formats, including Braille, large print, cassette tape, and text-only versions on disk through its Customer Care Center at 888-665-4228 (voice) or 800-246-6542 (TTY).
Industry Recognition
One reason for Nokia's market success leadership might be the company's willingness to appeal to all potential customers, regardless of ability. In recognition for their efforts toward communication accessibility, Nokia has been recognized by Wireless Week, The Los Angeles Times, and Mobile Phone News. In January 1999, Nokia was named a "Next Generation" company for employment of people with disabilities by the editors of WE Magazine.
On June 30, 1999, Nokia received the Access Innovation Award from the Association of Access Engineering Specialists (AAES) for the Nokia LPS-1 Loopset. The award, which recognizes innovations and advancement in access technology, was presented during the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) annual conference in Long Beach, CA.
Planning Ahead
Nokia is far from finished with the efforts of its internal Accessibility Solutions steering committee. The company continues to conduct research and surveys, holding focus groups and developing training manuals and engineering guides for future product design and production. David Dzumba says, "We are determined to make the wireless future accessible to everyone. We believe we are far ahead in terms of awareness and product development", he says, "But there is still so much to be done." [i]