While many people associate assistive technology with specialized devices that are expensive or hard to find, many mainstream technology devices have started supporting accessibility features and built-in assistive technology that can make specialty tools more financially and publicly accessible for all. For users that find the wide array of smartphone accessibility features overwhelming or unnecessary, feature phones and landline phones can still be configured or customized to include accessibility features for low vision while remaining easy to use. Here are features to look for when buying a landline phone or feature phone for users with vision loss, part of the Mainstream Technology and Low Vision post series.
For the purposes of this post, a feature phone is a mobile phone that is not a smartphone and offers basic functionalities like making and receiving phone calls and text messages. A landline phone is used strictly for making and receiving phone calls.
Examining and customizing button shapes and sizes
One of the defining characteristics of feature phones and landline phones is that they use tactile buttons or press-button inputs instead of touchscreens for dialing. Users with low vision often prefer raised, rounded buttons that are easier to identify by touch. Most mainstream feature phones have tactile labels (raised dots) on a few keys like the power button, start call/end call, and the numbers 1 and 5 on the dial pad to make it easier to locate buttons.
To make phone buttons easier to see and/or identify, consider adding tactile stickers or large print/colored labels to the buttons. Bump dots are an example of tactile stickers that provide a raised, rounded surface on top of buttons. Another option for enabling feedback for sound or touch is to turn on dial tones or keypad vibration.
Related links
Enable settings that make it easier to answer the phone
Instead of having to press a button to answer the phone, some users may prefer the design of a corded landline phone that only requires the user to lift up the headset to answer a call. This setting can also be configured on many cordless landline phones when they are docked on their chargers.
Another benefit of flip phones or foldable feature phones is that users can answer incoming calls by opening or “flipping” the phone open and then closing it again, reducing the need to press buttons.
Related links
- How To Organize and Identify Cords For Low Vision
- Mainstream Technology and Low Vision: Smart Speakers
Screen size and display size for low vision phones
At minimum, users will need to ensure that they can access the buttons on their phone and double-check a number before dialing it. Many feature phones offer a basic large print or invert colors option that can make the display easier to see, as well as an option for backlit keys that light up. Another option is to enable readout or text-to-speech, which can announce numbers as they are pressed.
While a larger screen or display size can be useful for low vision access, devices with smaller screens may be easier to hold or position within a narrow field of view. Some landline phones have an additional screen on the phone dock that can make it easier to read Caller ID or assist with dialing numbers.
For users that are Deaf or hard-of-hearing that use built-in captioning tools, the CapTel 880i is an example of a landline phone with a larger display for low vision. These phones are available free of charge through a federal program in the United States.
Related links
- Mainstream Technology and Low Vision: Smartphones
- CapTel 880i | CapTel
- How To Use Invert Colors With Low Vision
Enabling large print for landline and feature phones
Extra large keypads, oversized keypads, and large print displays are all helpful for users with low vision, though it is important to note that “large print” can encompass a wide array of font sizes ranging from slightly larger than normal to oversized text. Many feature phones and landline phones offer a large print option, though it is important for users to preview the size of text before choosing a phone to ensure that it works well for their specific accessibility needs. Some phone service providers offer specific models for users with visual impairments.
Using text-to-speech to read information
Text-to-speech features are available on many feature phones and landline phones, which can be used in lieu of or in addition to other large print or accessibility features. Text-to-speech is typically configured in the accessibility settings menu.
Instead of being listed as text-to-speech, the option to have phone input and output read out loud may also be labeled as:
- Speak screen
- Readout
- Read out loud
- Screen reader
- Announce calls
- Talking Caller ID
Text-to-speech will announce incoming calls/Caller ID, read text messages out loud, and announce other on-screen information. Text-to-speech is different from dictation, which converts a user’s recorded speech into text.
Related links
- How To Use Text-To-Speech With Low Vision
- A to Z of Assistive Technology For Low Vision
- How To Use Dictation As Assistive Technology With Mainstream Devices
Setting up speed dial
A popular strategy for making it easier to dial numbers on feature phones and landline phones with low vision is to set up speed dialing shortcuts so that users can reach contacts more easily. With a speed dial, users only need to hold down one number on the keypad to start a phone call. The speed dial for the number 1 is typically set to voicemail, and some phones have a dedicated button for reaching emergency services as well.
Another popular option is the use of a picture dialer, which uses a combination of speed dial and images of people as labels. For example, a photo of a family member could be placed next to the button with their corresponding speed dial shortcut.
Pairing a landline phone with a smartphone
For users that already have a smartphone but prefer the shape of a headset used for landline phones, smart landline phones, smartphone landline converters, or VoIP adapters can be used to connect smartphones and landline phones to the same phone number, or use the smartphone as a dialer. This may require an additional one-time purchase or ongoing paid plan, but can be useful for users that are comfortable with touchscreen interfaces.
Related links
- Mainstream Technology and Low Vision: Smartphones
- Make Android Easier To See With Large Print Apps
- iPhone Accessibility Settings For Occipital Stroke
Aesthetic considerations for phones
Should someone with low vision choose a phone just because it is purple, without considering any other features? No, but features like device color, where the device is stored when not in use, and the use of covers/cases can play a role in making smartphones easier to access for low vision.
When possible, choose a device color that does not blend into common surfaces like furniture, tables, bedding, couches, counters, or the interiors of purses/bags. For example, a white phone may be challenging to locate on a white desk for someone with reduced contrast vision, or a phone can be hard to locate when inside of a purse. Accessories that can help with making phones easier to identify include stickers, covers/cases, and vibrant device colors that stand out against common surfaces and make it easier to locate items. For landline phones, vibrant washi tape or colored painter’s tape can be used to add additional contrast.
Related links
- High Contrast and Low Vision
- Mainstream Technology and Low Vision: Covers and Cases
- Apple Pencil Customizations For Writing With Low Vision
Summary of features to consider for accessible landline phones or accessible feature phones for low vision
- Button shapes and sizes. Rounded, tactile buttons are easier to feel and identify, and can be customized with additional labels or tactile stickers.
- How to answer the phone. Some devices require users to press buttons to answer the phone, while others require someone to lift/open the device.
- Display size and screen size. Large print Caller ID and displays can often be enabled in accessibility settings or display settings. Some phones also offer oversized displays specifically for low vision.
- Keypad size and large print. Since large print font sizes can vary, check out available font sizes before choosing a phone with low vision.
- Text-to-speech. Readout, text-to-speech, or talking Caller ID can make it easier to read information on a screen.
- Speed dial. Speed dial can make it easier to dial frequently used numbers, which can reduce cognitive load.
- Pairing a landline with a smartphone. For users that prefer to use a landline or handset phone at home, there are several options for pairing smartphones and feature phones.
- Aesthetic considerations. Ensure that the phone can be easily located and does not blend into commonly used surfaces.
Published October 6, 2020. Updated August 2025