New phone makes it easier for blind people to make calls

SOCIAL inclusion and independence is the key behind a new telephone which makes
it easier for blind and partially sighted people to make calls.

The new Geemarc BDP400 landline telephone was developed with RNIB, the leading
charity supporting blind and partially sighted people. It is the world's first
fully vocalised amplified telephone which announces the name of the buttons the
user has pressed.

The phone also announces the date, time and memories to allow the user to hear
the name of a caller and when a call was received.

The large LCD screen displays the number being called and received enabling
partially sighted users to read and confirm the number they want to dial.

There are around 1.8 million blind and partially-sighted people in the UK and
Geemarc expects to sell 150,000 units and raise £150,000 for RNIB in the
process. Proceeds of £1 per unit will be donated to RNIB.

Andrew Grossman, managing director of Geemarc, a UK company which specialises in
making phones for blind and deaf people, said:

"This product has been developed with RNIB to improve the user experience and to
enable blind and partially sighted people to live independently. It's a huge
step forward in terms of assisted technology. We've worked with blind and
partially sighted people to develop the phone in line with their needs.

"We are proud to have developed this with RNIB and are very thankful for their
help and support throughout."

Sandra Taylor, Senior Products and Sales Manager, RNIB, said:

"We realised there was a gap in the market for an accessible landline telephone
for blind and partially sighted people. It was also important to involve
customers throughout the development to get their feedback, ensuring the final
product met their needs."

"It has been terrific working with Geemarc to create a product that really
delivers. Customers have already commented on the fact the phone has provided
them with more independence due to advances in the functionality."

The BDP400 is also compatible for use with hearing aids and can be amplified up
to 40dB. It has a powerful hands free speakerphone, visual strobe light for
alerting incoming calls and tone adjustment. Large print user instructions are
supplied as standard, and if you purchase the phone through RNIB, braille and
audio CD instructions are also available from them.
The phone is available from RNIB and is priced from £96.00. Visit the RNIB
website at www.rnib.org.uk/shop or call on 0303
123 9999

See www.geemarc.com

__________________