Telephones for the Blind Fund was initially founded more than 40 years ago with the aim of providing a telephone “lifeline” to blind people unable to afford land line installation and the associated line rental charges. With the recent changes in communication, the charity is re-launching to offer free mobile phone handsets to people with sight impairments so they are freely able to stay independent and keep in touch away from home. Disability specialist distributor Connevans is supporting this additional service from the charity and has arranged for Doro to supply the mobiles for this initiative.
The Doro PhoneEasy 612 will be offered free to qualifying blind and partially blind people who are identified to receive one by their local social worker. The PhoneEasy 612 is a clamshell mobile phone with a large screen, large buttons of concave design, soft-touch covering for better grip and adjustable text size and contrast colours. This phone has outstanding sound quality and a strong vibrate alert that can be felt when the mobile is in a pocket or handbag with ease.
Mark Richardson, Chairman of Telephones for the Blind Fund, said: “It is important we move with the times and provide not just land line telephones but mobile phones also. We chose Doro mobile phones because they are just so easy-to-use and the screen, keys and other features all are suited to those with visual impairments. We’re really looking forward to this re-launch and to getting more blind people in the UK using mobile phones through our initiative.”
Chris Millington, Managing Director Doro UK, said: “Telephones for the Blind Fund is such an excellent charity for us to be working with. We are delighted that the organisation appreciates the quality of our mobile phones and the difference they can make to the everyday lives of blind and partially blind people. We’re looking forward to hearing success stories of those benefiting from the scheme.”