Accessibility Assistance from Mobile Carriers and Specialized Programs

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.

Major Carrier Support Centers

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 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 to 11 pm Central, or by e-mail. People with visual impairments may also obtain accessible device recommendations at the Sprint Accessibility Store. Furthermore, 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.

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.

Specialized and State-Level Solutions

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.

iCanConnect

iCanConnect, also known as the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program, is a federal program administered locally in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands. It provides free equipment and training for people with both significant hearing and vision loss who meet the program’s disability and income eligibility guidelines. Equipment and technology available through the program include smartphones, tablets, computers, screen readers, braille displays, and more.

California Connect

For Californians with vision-related disabilities, California Connect, also called the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program (DDTP), offers accessible phones, devices, and communication services. The program's accessible products and services are available at no cost, removing financial barriers. Specialized equipment includes the Clarity JV35, which now offers 50 dB of amplification and makes dialing easy with jumbo-size buttons. Its Braille characters help you dial quickly and correctly, and the JV-35 announces the numbers you dial for confirmation.

Summary of Contact Information for Assistance

  • AT&T National Center for Customers with Disabilities: 866-241-6568
  • Sprint Support for Customers with Disabilities: 855-885-7568
  • Verizon National Accessibility Customer Service Center: 888-262-1999
  • Odin Mobile Support: 855-217-9459
  • iCanConnect National Program: 800-825-4595
  • California Connect Contact Center: 1-800-806-1191