Verizon Assists the Visually Impaired

Verizon, the most reliable wireless network in the nation announced TALKS for Verizon Wireless. This new program is geared specifically towards people who are blind or have a visual impairment. This new technology transforms visual text into audible speech.

Initially available on the Motorola Q9c smartphones starting on March 15, 2009 TALKS features support for audio feedback in order to write and read text in email, messages and notes.

This new program is powered by Nuance Communications and uses a program called ETI-Eloquence which is a text-to-speech software that is very much like the Windows PC platform with similar screen-reading packages for mobile devices.

Customers with visual impairments who are limited in their use of email and web applications using their mobile phones will be able to stay in the loop using the TALKS application to help access and read text in a variety of messages from texts to emails.

Program Features
Using the on-screen reading program this feature will allow users who are visually impaired to do a variety of things with their mobile phones, including:

• Dial a number from their contacts directory.
• Read and write text messages and emails.
• Add contacts and edit contact in the directory.
• Read the caller ID of an incoming call.
• Access and use MMS Messages.
• Use Mobile Internet Explorer for accessing the Internet.
• Control the volume and the rate of speech.
• Read and write documents using Mobile Office.

TALKS for Verizon Wireless transforms the MOTO Q9c into a mobile communication tool for customers with impaired vision stay connected with family and friends through means and methods beyond voice calls. TALK is an extension of Verizon’s dedication to providing the best communications experience for all customers.

The MOTO Q9c from Verizon Wireless is available for $249.99 after a rebate of $70.00 and a two-year agreement online through www.verizonwireless.com. Customers who already own the phone can add the TALKS feature by calling Verizon customer service.