AT&T (News - Alert) announced that it will be holding training sessions throughout the U.S for helping people with vision loss to make better use of their wireless phones. This public service initiative follows the company’s cell phone training program for senior citizens. AT&T will be working with the American Foundation for the Blind.

 

“AT&T’s free education program is a wonderful way to provide people with a better understanding of all the advantages available from wireless technology,” said Judy Scott, director of the AFB Center on Vision Loss in Dallas. Two-day sessions are being held at the AFB center. “People of all ages can ask questions about their own phones and learn how to use features they need or want to use independently. Providing useful and cost effective tips, encouragement and better access to these communication devices is very empowering for people with vision problems.”

 

During the training sessions participants will be allowed to bring any mobile device they are using irrespective of the wireless carrier they have subscribed to. AT&T volunteers will help them through one-to-one training sessions. They will provide all details from mobile phone basics such as controlling the volume, to checking voice mail, storing numbers in the phone’s address book, and software that magnifies screen sizes and provides verbal instructions to users.

 

From November 2007 AT&T has been providing such training sessions nationwide through the Cell Phone Training for Seniors program. The company has worked with organizations like OASIS and the AFB for training more than 4,000 senior citizens for guiding them on the ways to make optimum use of wireless devices.

 

“These trainings have proven to be very effective at providing the tips and tools necessary to enable consumers to stay connected with their friends, family and community,” said Cindy Brinkley, AT&T chief diversity officer. “We are proud to be working with the American Foundation for the Blind to expand the trainings to others who may need help making full use of their wireless phones.”

 

The training session also includes a tour of a premier independent living model apartment at the center for all the participants. This will demonstrate to them the ways to make life easy for people who are already blind or loosing their vision.

 

State Rep. Tan Parker pointed out that such training sessions will make people more comfortable with their cell phones which will enhance their lives, connect them with friends and family and increase their productivity making them active members of the society.