Technology is constantly changing and improving the lives of many, but is there a disability friendly phone on the market? This article will take a look at the top 5 phones for your child with special needs…
Whether your child has ADHD, autism, a visual impairment, or any other special needs, there is no reason why they should miss out on the many perks and social benefits of having a phone.
Ensuring that a special needs child receives all the support that they need can be challenging, which is why contacting a SEN lawyer can help you navigate through your child education needs. From something as simple as education tools like a phone to advising you on negotiations and settlements.
Take a look at the list below for the top 5 disability friendly phones your child will love…
What is a Disability Friendly Phone?
A phone is a connection to society and with the treat of the COVID-19 still in the air, it’s more important that ever that special needs children have a way of socialising, that is not limited to face-to-face interactions.
Due to the wide variety of disabilities and special needs out there, the phone features that your child needs will differ hugely compared to someone else. For example, a child who is visually impaired would benefit from a phone with voice activation.
Features of a disability friendly phone that may help a special need child may include:
- Adjustable text size
- Voice activation
- Touch screen
- Urgent response button
- Speakerphone
- Large buttons
- Parental control options
- Larger screen or the option to zoom in
- Reminders and alarms
What Are the Best Phones Available for Children with Disabilities?
Finding a phone with features that compliment your child’s disability is a unique journey. Some children may only need the most basic features while other may benefits from apps and access to the internet. Here’s our top 5…
1. Doro
The Doro phone is known for being incredibly easy to use, it has large keys, high visual contrast and clear sound. They are the perfect solution for elderly phone users and special needs children who want a straightforward smart phone experience.
Doro strive to make phones that make daily life easier. Their phones are popular with children and adults who have low vision, are hard of hearing, or struggle to read and write.
Some features you can find on a Doro phone include:
- Large displays
- Loud and clear sound
- An SOS button that immediately connects the user to their chosen contact number.
- Hearing aid compatibility
- Predictive text
- Adjustable font size, talking number keys.
- You can choose an Android interface if you are already familiar with their set-up.
- Google assistance voice control.
- Step-by-step phone tutorials.
- Fingerprint password
2. Jitterbug Smart
Like Doro, Jitterbug provides users with a straightforward mobile phone. With an easy display, guides to help your child navigate its features, and an urgent response button in case of an emergency, the Jitterbug phone provides a safe user experience.
Some of Jitterbug’s features include:
- A 6.2 inch screen
- Voice typing
- Easy to navigate list-based menus
- Long lasting battery
- How-to-guides
- Video chat
- The urgent response button
- Fall detection
- Easy to use maps
- Powerful speakers
- Magnifier and torch
3. KISA
The KISA phone is made to be accessible and affordable. It aims to give the disabled and vulnerable more independence with a GPS location service and a lanyard strap to prevent losses or fall damage.
The KISA phone is made to order and can be customised to include large contact buttons with either the pictures or names of family members, so the child can easily call in an emergency.
Other features include:
- A customisable phone back that can include medical information and emergency contact numbers.
- Built-in loudspeaker
- Long battery life and an easy-to-use charging stand
KISA also make phones for the visually impaired, people with arteritis or dementia as well as a brail option.
4. iPhone
The iPhone is incredibly popular with people of all abilities, but many have shared that iPhone features have been a great help to children with special needs.
One of the benefits of an iPhone are the hundreds of apps dedicated to help children with ADHD. For example, Khan Academy Kids, Colour by numbers, Reading eggs, and much more.
On top of this, the iPhone includes features like:
- Prenatal controls
- Live text
- Siri
- Notification summary’s
- Touch screens
- Wide displays
- Water resistant
Despite being a great option, iPhones are incredibly expensive, so consider what your child needs in a phone before making this choice.
5. Android
An Android phone provides users with monitoring coverage for Facebook and Instagram, as well as sites like YouTube. With Kids Mode, parents know that the content their child is viewing is age appropriate and set usage limits.
Android also gives users access to handy apps to help them cope with their disability’s. For example, Speech Assistant, Colour Bind Pal, JABTalk and many more.
Some of Android’s features include:
- Accessibility menu
- Talkback and a select to speak.
- Adjustable font sizes and magnification
- BIG Launcher where you can increase the size of icons.
Choosing a phone for your child doesn’t have to be complicated…
Depending on your child’s ability’s you many find that they only need a phone for contacting people in an emergency. Whereas others many benefits from the variety of apps and online special need groups. Some children might find the screen over stimulating whereas have a phone may give another child a way to communicate with others.
At the end of the day, it all depends on the needs and requirement of your child. We recommend looking at a few options and considering the following points:
– What will your special needs child be using the phone for?
– How could your child benefit from a phone?
– Will you limit screen time?
– What safety controls will you need on the phone?
– Are you going to remove apps and prevent app store access?
Images
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Please be advised that this article is for general informational purposes
only, and should not be used as a substitute for any professional advice. Be sure to consult a SEN lawyer or a medical professional if your seeking advice about a special needs child. We are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.