ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the mobile wireless ICT has profoundly affected the independence of people with disabilities. Wireless information and communication technology (ICT) includes cellphones, tablets, wearable devices, home automation and control functions, and other ICT that connects wirelessly. Since 1990, mobile wireless technology has evolved from relatively simple phones for voice communication to robust ICT systems. Deaf individuals were enthusiastic early adopters of mainstream mobile phones. Prior to 1999, deaf users had access to two-way communications only via the teletype (TTY) device, also known as a telecommunications device for the deaf. Hard-of-hearing users generally do not rely solely on text-based communications. However, those who use hearing aids often have experienced their own accessibility challenges, mainly related to electromagnetic interference caused by the interaction of their hearing technology when digital mobile phones are brought close to the ear. Mobile phones with simple numeric keypads were the most common type of device before the advent of the contemporary smartphone.
