Hi Jerry,
If, by luck, your phone uses the Simbion operating system then
perhaps the  Talx screen reader might have been worked up for
it.  However I've not heard of phones from that brand being
accessible.

You mightlook into one of the Nokia phones now running the Talx
or "Mobile access" screen readers to see if there are database
applications that can run on them which might doo. the job for
you.  However, I think the databases they run are limited to
contact list type apps.

There are several choices in PDAs on which you might keep the
database and take notes.  Most of them are windows SE based.
They include the Packmate from FreedomScientific and the
BrailleNote series from Humanware.

Also Dolphin systems of England is releasing a version of their
"Hal" screen reader for windows SE, I don't know which hardware
they're supporting yet.

I think the use of an "accessible' cell phone if one of them
works with your service provider and of an additional PDA for
database and notes is much more likely to succeed than trying to
find an access solution for the specific Kiosara now in use.

However if your college gets any federal money, then rehab act
regulation 508 insists that only accessible equipment be
purchased when it is available.  Perhaps some pressure on the
manufacturers might make them gain an interest in making
equipment wirk with one of the existing screen reader systems.

You need to be in contact with your local rehabilitation services
county or whatever hopefuly you'll find a rehab councelor who is
up to date and flexible enough to help you rather than just
spouting 'jaws, jaws, jaws," which is all some of em know.

Also, there are a couple of magnifier products out there for some
cell phones, hardware lenses that is, which fit on the front.
Look up cell phone magnifiers and see if you think any of them
might help.

Depending on the prognosis of your vision, you may or may not be
able to stick with magnifying aids.

Also, you need to find and get referred to a true 'low vision
clinic, they usually exist at major medical schools.  Your local
eye care professionals usually know nothing at all about dealing
with low vision.  The folks at low vision clinics are skilled in
finding you the correct adaptive devices and techniques.  Do not
get talked out of this by anyone, seeing low vision professionals
is an absolute must.

If you find an adaptive device that you think will help, insist
onit.  Hopefully with some rehab money so your employeer doesn't
have to foot the entire bill.  You are not asking for favors,
such adaptations are your right under the ADA.

Best luck and happy new year

Tom Fowle
Smith-Kettlewell rehabilitation engineering research Center
San Francisco



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