This project will explore how consumer products, such as Skype and other mainstream programs and products widely available in stores or on the Internet can be used as a means of alternative telephony.
Using mainstream products for text- and video telephoning
The Swedish government has commissioned The Swedish Institute of Assistive Technology (SIAT) and The Swedish Post and Telecom Agency (PTS) to investigate how persons with communication disabilities can use modern telephony.
Persons with communication disabilities such as deafness, deaf-blindness, hard of hearing and speech impairments often use assistive technology or alternative telephony such as text- and videophones when telephoning.
Use of mainstream telephony products can give persons with communication disabilities more independence by making telephone communication more accessible to them and also give them a wider selection of products to meet their needs and preferences.
Trials in seven counties
Trials with persons with communication disabilities are starting up in September 2011 in seven counties in Sweden to investigate how a more diverse range of modern telephony products can support text- and video communication.
The trials will also address prescription, support and procurement procedures for mainstream products within the delivery system for assistive technology.
The project has a total budget of 8 million SEK and is carried out in cooperation with The Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR), Swedish Agency for Disability Policy Coordination and the interest-organizations of users of text- and videophones.