I am a legally blind man who has both a business and a family and I require the use of my cell phone extensively. I am having the same issues with the Kyocera DuraXV Extreme, as others have mentioned in this string. I started contacting Verizon months ago when I heard my 3G flip phone would become obsolete on 12/31/2020. After multiple attempts working through my account rep, calling Verizon customer service and sending a special form to Verizon, as instructed, and received absolutely no help or response from Verizon. I simply wanted some advice from my cell phone carrier on which phones may be an option for me. Each time I spoke to someone they passed me off to another dead-end. My family did extensive research online and came up with the Kyocera DuraXV Extreme as a possible option. I ordered the Kyocera DuraXV Extreme and upon arrival my family set up the minimal read-out options, as best as possible. This phone does not help me communicate, at all. Instead, it is confusing and it gets in the way since it is talking over the people I am trying to answer the call from. It also repeats itself and is constantly in read-out mode. Even pushing the end button does not shut the phone up. The caller ID does not even tell me who is calling until AFTER I answer the phone. There is no way this phone will work for me, I can only imagine if I was in a business meeting, what would happen.
For those of you who are sighted, you should understand there are some people with enough functional vision that they are able to see a smartphone screen and push the correct area of the screen to get the function they want. For those of us with more diminished sight or who are totally blind, we are unable to use a smartphone because we cannot see the screen, at all, and unlocking a smartphone or pushing the correct area on the screen is impossible. Having a smartphone that you can talk to, to perform all functions may work but what if I need privacy or I am in a very loud area?
I realize Verizon and Kyocera are not in the business of making equipment or provide services for the blind, however, both companies are members of the community and please understand that providing assistance to an individual like me allows me to function by completing my daily tasks. You will find that most individuals with a physical challenge of one kind or another, will find workarounds and ways of getting things done regardless. However, your goodwill will make a big difference to a select few in the community and that should be rewarding for you to know.
I am hopeful that both Verizon and Kyocera understand the important role they play in the community and resources can be allocated to those of us who depend on their products and services.
Fares Rached - CEO Mobility Express
