Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
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Access to wireless services for people with disabilities
Handsets are necessary to access wireless services. The CRTC uses the term handset to refer to hand-held mobile devices that are used for wireless telecommunications voice and data services, as well as broadcast services and other new mobile applications. Examples are smart phones, cellular phones and personal digital assistant (PDA) devices.
What did Broadcasting and Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2009-430 say about wireless services?
In Broadcasting and Telecom Regulatory Policy 2009-430, the CRTC requested wireless service providers to:
- offer at least one mobile handset for persons who are blind and/or have moderate to severe mobility or cognitive disabilities
- consult with groups that advocate on behalf of persons with disabilities to decide which handsets to offer, and to develop suitable packages of optional features for persons with disabilities
- provide reasonable technical and lifecycle support for the handset to address special needs and assistive technologies
The CRTC stated that it would consider regulating in a manner that would require wireless service providers to offer this type of handset.
You can contact wireless service providers to learn more about the services and products that are offered for persons with disabilities. Newer cell phones and smart phones might have more features that could serve your needs.
