Cell phones for low-cost banking
Cell phones are being used for banking by low income people in Africa. Instead of an ATM, money transfers and purchases are being made through a high-security mobile network. So — theoretically — an accessible cell phone could be an ATM replacement for any customer with a disability.
Africa’s cellphone boom creates a base for low-cost banking | csmonitor.com
Another simplified mobile phone
LG is releasing a kid-phone, senior-phone, whatever you want to call it. It has a 911 key and 4 keys for pre-stored numbers. Rumors are that Verizon will carry it.
Six US states recognized for coordinated disability services
The US Dept. of Health and Human Services is working with six states to improve outcomes for people with disabilities by engaging multiple state agencies. I wonder if accessible mainstream technology is part of the mix. Can anyone in Florida, Colorado, Connecticut, Montana, Kansas or Washington elucidate this program?
Six States Recognized for Multiple State Agency Coordination In Care for the Disabled - Aug 10, 2005
History of concealed hearing aids
Well, this isn’t modern and it isn’t mainstream, but I couldn’t resist. It’s a museum exhibit of hearing technologies from the 19th and 20th centuries, and it has some amazing ideas. Take a look at the lady’s fan that hides an ear trumpet!
Deafness in Disguise: Concealed Hearing Devices of the 19th and 20th Centuries
Wireless wallets
From Appliance Design magazine comes word that we may soon be using our mobile phones for all kinds of payments. Europeans already pay for sodas and parking with their phones. This will make accessible handsets even more important, and adds another flavor to the talking ATM idea: why make the ATM talk if you can complete the transaction with your talking mobile phone?