At Sprint, we want all of our customers to have access to the technology that helps them stay connected. We are proud to be a leader in the effort to make mobile communications accessible to people with disabilities. Empowering our customers like this is a critical part of our Corporate Responsibility efforts.
On June 6, 2013, Sprint CEO Dan Hesse shared Sprint’s accessibility story at the M-Enabling Summit in Arlington, Va. The M-Enabling Summit is an annual event exclusively dedicated to promoting mobile and assistive applications and services for seniors and users of all abilities. Hesse was the first Fortune 500 CEO and the first CEO from a mobile-services provider to address the conference.
”I’m optimistic about how wireless technologies will empower people with disabilities to contribute even more to our society in the future.”
Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO
Here are some additional details about the ways Sprint makes communications technology more accessible:
- Sprint Relay – Sprint Relay services allow customers who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or speech-disabled to enjoy the natural flow of a telephone conversation with tools such as captioned communications. Sprint has processed more than 2 billion relay minutes since 1990 and provides relay services to 33 states and the federal government.
- Accessible devices – Mobile devices can provide customers with enhanced accessibility. During his remarks, Hesse announced that Sprint will begin selling the LG Optimus F3, the first phone to come pre-loaded with Google TalkBack. Google TalkBack allows users who are blind or visually impaired to receive assistive voice prompts. With this feature pre-loaded onto the devices, users can start getting voice prompts as soon as they take the phone out of the box and power it on, rather than after they’ve gone through the full set-up process. Learn more here.
- Sprint ID – Sprint ID Packs allow customers with compatible Android phones to personalize their device with a selection of apps, widgets and more. Sprint ID packs are free for eligible customers and are designed to fit a variety of needs and interests. Sprint offers several Sprint ID Packs for customers with disabilities:
- The Sprint Relay ID Pack includes voice-mail transcripts and visual and vibrating alerts.
- The Active Senior ID Pack collects more than 20 senior-friendly applications and services, like the AARP, MedsTime, CapTel by Sprint and the recently launched Health Savvi health-management app.
- The just-launched Accessible Education ID Pack is designed for children with disabilities and features apps like WebMath and Equation Finder.
Hesse’s full remarks can be found here.
Resources:
- Dan Hesse’s M-Enabling remarks
- News release on the LG Optimus F3
- LG Optimus F3 Fact Sheet
- sprint.com/accessibility
- sprintrelay.com
- sprint.com/responsibility
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