AT&T Unveils Universal Design Approach to Help Developers Meet the Wireless Needs of Customers with Disabilities

AT&T Unveils Universal Design Approach to Help Developers Meet the Wireless Needs of Customers with Disabilities

Have you ever tried to send a text message from a dark room? Listen to a voice mail message during a loud concert? Or perhaps even had your hands full with groceries when the phone rings? If so, then you have some experience, however temporary, of what it’s like to be in a situation of physical limitation. Whether the limitation is short-term or long-term or related to vision, hearing, speech, cognitive or dexterity, there is a universal need for mobile products and applications to be designed in such a way that they are accessible by all.

In an effort to encourage application developers and handset manufacturers to consider the needs of seniors or customers who have disabilities when designing products and services, AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) announced today that the company’s approach to Universal Design will be made publicly available for the first time.

Universal Design is the practice of designing products and applications that are usable by the broadest possible range of consumers. AT&T embraces the concept of Universal Design and has urged its handset and software partners to consider this methodology as they are developing wireless products and applications. AT&T’s recently launched Mobile Speak and Mobile Magnifier applications are examples of accessible products and services that result from innovative collaboration and design.

Read the complete Press Release