Your Guide to Choosing a Cell Phone

This Guide was developed and tested with input from the RERC's Consumer Advisory Network. Additional comments and suggestions are welcome - please find contact information for comments at the bottom of this page.

NOTE: This draft is presented as a form in this HTML version, so you can make your selections and print out the completed form with your selections in place.

Choosing a Cell Phone

You have many choices in wireless phone companies, calling plans, and cell phones. This guide will help you choose cell phone service that fits your needs and your budget.

Bring this guide with you when you visit cell phone stores of wireless phone companies available to you. Visit these stores when sales people are less busy, such as weekdays in mid-morning or mid-afternoon.

It´s unlikely that your sales person will have any experience with disability. If you describe what you like and don´t like about similar products like your house phone or TV remote, he/she might be able to help you better.

Before you begin the checklist below, you might find the Cell Phone Feature Definitions helpful. Once you are done filling out the checklist, proceed to page 2: "Test Driving" cell phones to print a list of tests you can run to determine if the phone is for you.

The following checklist will also help:

Where are the people I need to reach? When will I use my cell phone? How long will I need a cell phone? What features do I need?

Note: the icon following most features links to more information.

To help manage calls:

To make physical tasks easier:

To make visual tasks easier:

To make auditory tasks easier:

To make mental tasks easier:

What special features do I need?

What accessories do I need?

So which phone is best for me?

Your completed checklist above will help your sales person find the phone or phones with the features you need. Once you have completed the above checklist, print it out using your browser's print feature and take it with you when you shop for your cell phone.

Now you're ready for a test drive - "Test Driving" Cell Phones.

Next Step: “Test driving” cell phones

Comments / Contact Information

We hope this Guide is helpful in choosing a cell phone. We'd be happy to have your comments.