However, these can pose additional problems such as the time delay in the device starting to speak, and of the unusual voice often resulting in the person at the other end hanging up. This is particularly frustrating for people who previously had no way of communicating on the telephone, but for whom technology has now made it possible. For people whose difficulty is one of comprehension, it is important that the other person's questions are kept simple, and repeated if necessary. For people with communication difficulties, a speech and language therapist can advise both on strategies to help their own speech and on the use of communication devices. The main obstacle for many of these people, however, is not their disability, but the lack of others' awareness.
Many people have a problem remembering the correct number to dial.
This can be overcome by using a telephone with a memory store in conjunction with a list of numbers and codes kept beside the telephone. For people who have difficulty remembering the incoming message, an answering machine may help. Several respondents described how they ignored the telephone, listened to the message, and then rang the caller back once they had prepared their answer. Physical difficulties such as holding the receiver and dialling numbers were described, as well as problems of the positioning of the actual telephone, especially if someone uses a wheelchair or has a hemiplegia. There are now various makes of hands-free speakerphones available that overcome these obstacles.