Innovative Memory Cell Phone for Intellectually Challenged

A new memory cell phone is addressing the unique needs of people with dementia and intellectual disabilities. 

FREMONT, CA: A provider of mobile assistive technology, RAZ Mobility, has unveiled the RAZ Memory Cell Phone. Robert Felgar, CEO of RAZ Mobility, says, "We intend to aggressively add features over time. Each new feature will be optional: the caregiver will be able to turn them on or off based upon the capabilities and needs of the individual user. Because people with dementia or intellectual disabilities are so different from one another, the ability to customize the experience is essential." The new cell phone takes simplicity to the extreme and is designed to address the unique needs of people with dementia and other forms of memory loss and is also well suited for individuals with intellectual challenges.

"RAZ Mobility wants the phone to be affordable to as many people as possible. As a result, they are focusing on distributing the phone in part through government programs. Felgar explained that "in addition to selling direct to consumers, we expect the phone to be purchased and distributed by a number of state programs. We are already in discussions with a number of them. Qualifying consumers in these states will receive the RAZ Memory Cell Phone for free," adds Felgar. 

Alzheimer's Association revealed that at least 5.8 million Americans have Alzheimer's dementia, with one in ten people over the age of 65 diagnosed with the disease. The RAZ Memory Cell Phone consists of only one primary screen that is always on and includes pictures and names of up to six contacts and a button to call 911. There are no applications or settings to confuse with no notifications or operating system updates. Users can tap and hold the picture of the person they wish to call. Caregivers manage the RAZ Memory Cell Phone via a simple online portal. The same portal is used for creating and editing the contacts and tracking the location of the phone/user.

"The next major feature to be offered by the RAZ Memory Cell Phone will likely be an easy-to-use photo album. The photos will be uploaded by the caregiver through the online portal. The user with dementia will gain comfort by being able to reminisce by looking at the photos," includes Robert Felgar. "Another feature we are looking at is the ability to send reminders to the phone. Again, the reminders will be managed by the caregiver through the easy-to-use portal."

RAZ Mobility is the world's pioneering mobile technology, applications, and support provider. The company provides unique and cutting-edge mobile solutions to people with disabilities. RAZ Mobility solutions are made accessible with comprehensive services that help government agencies to manage their equipment programs to their individual needs. RAZ Mobility aims to enable people to overcome their difficulties by providing pioneering mobile assistive technology and services.