the 706 and its brethren are not too bad to operate.  However, I recommend getting the qsyer.  This is a keypad which allows direct frequency entry, and will allow memory access and output various parameters in morse.
I believe John is still selling them to blind folks for around $50.00.  I've got to get mine repaired.
This will work with all flavors of the 706, and 703.  Also the yaesu 817, 857, and 897.

Gary Lee
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On Mar 24, 2013, at 5:16 PM, Mike Barnard <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> I have a friend who is studdying for his license and a friend is 
> willing to lend him a icom 706 and he is blind. Has anyone used one, 
> and are they easy to opperate?
> I was able to hear Junior, Butch,  a little,  I had lots of noise but 
> I will keep trying.
> I am in Sidney, Ny.  When the weather gets better, I hope to get a 80 
> meter windum up and a g3xq 5 band hex beam.
> Now I have a long wire strung up in trees.
> Thanks for the help.
> 73,
> KD2CDU