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Able Australia is collecting unwanted smartphones to help people with impaired sight and hearing.
The organisation’s Ablelink program takes unwanted phones and chargers and connects them to a Braille machine through Bluetooth technology.
Program participants are then taught how to use the phones to help them stay in touch with others.
Able Australia digital literacy co-ordinator Claire Tellefson said many people who are deaf and blind could benefit from the program.
“For instance, one client has used this powerful technology to amazing effect. She’s written, using a smartphone and tablet, to her aunt in Italy,” Ms Tellefson said.
An estimated 288,000 Australians have impaired hearing and sight, with the number expected to rise to one million by 2050.
Social isolation and depression are common in the deaf and blind community, with an estimated 90 per cent reporting depression and anxiety.
Having access to a smartphone could help combat this.
The phones should be in good working condition, with no cracked screens.
The ideal models are at the level of iPhone 4, Samsung Galaxy S4, Nokia Lumia 540, LG Nexus 7 and above.
To donate, call 1300-225-369 or visit www.ableaustralia.org.au
