Subject: Prosthetic Stand on Software for cell phones.

 Some cell phones can be made accessible to the blind with the addition of  special software.  Basically the software makes the buttons and menus of the cell phone talk. One of the software programs is called “TALKS”.  It is important to ask your carrier if they offer accessible software with their line of cell phones or if software programs such as TALKS will work on any of their line of cell phones. 

Like all prosthetic devices, the request for this software will need to be made through the VIS Coordinator.  Basically the veteran requests the software that will work on their cell phone. Be sure to do the research first.

 THE VA DOES NOT PAY FOR THE CELL PHONE ITSELF OR FOR A MONTHLY FEE CHARGED BY A CELL PHONE COMPANY. The veteran needs to be able to tell the VIST Coordinator what cell phone is owned and what software will make it accessible. 

 The VIS Coordinator will submit a request to the local Prosthetic Activity requesting the software and providing the details needed for Prosthetics to purchase the software. In the case of cell phone software, the local Prosthetics will need to send a special request to prosthetics in Washington D.C requesting approval. The form prosthetics sends to Washington is called the 2641. 

 It is best for the veteran to make it as easy as possible for the VIS Coordinator and Prosthetics by providing all the information needed to make a decision.