(VOIR LE MESSAGE EN FRANÇAIS EN BAS)
Hello everyone,
I have been using FreePhoneLine since 2010. I am totally blind since birth,k and I use assistive technology on my PC. Unfortunately, the FPL desktop softphone is not at all accessible with screenreading software for the blind and visually impaired. I am able to make and answer calls without any problems, however I am not able to use any of the other functions as buttons, lists, menus etc. are not properly labelled and no screenreading software can identify them. I have reported the issue to several members of the FPL technical support staff on several occasions, and everyone I spoke to gave me the run around, making excuses such as the necessary modifications being "too costly and too time consuming". One technical support worker went so far as to tell me (in a rather impatient and impolite manner) that there is nothing FPL could do to help me and that I should ask a sighted person to do the manipulations for me. This, in my opinion, is not at all acceptable! It is important that the developers of FPL and developers of assistive technology colaborate in order for products and services to be accessible to all users.
Back in September, I spoke to a technical support person (I can't remember his name off hand) who told me he would pass along my comments and suggestions to the development team and to the CEo and that he would keep me updated. I have not heard any news since then, and the necessary improvements have not yet been put into place. I would be greatful if the CEO and/or someone from FreePhoneLine could contact me by phone or by email in order to discuss the issue further. As for my suggestions: I would suggest that you create a text-only interface that would allow users with visual impairments to do use the software with the keyboard instead of the mouse. Also, it is important that keyboard shortcuts are included, and that all buttons, menus, lists etc. are properly labelled so that screenreading software can recognize them.
If any of you on the forum uses FreePhoneLine with assistive technology and/or has any tips and tricks that would make the software easier for me to use, please feel free to contact me either via the forum or privately. NOTE: I am bilingual, so you may speak/write to me in either English or French. My contact info is as follows:
Email: siena.trigiani@gmail.com
Skype: siena.trigiani
Thank you in advance!
Best regards,
Siena.