Specific Needs / Accessibility
Offering accessible mobile communications for the Specific Needs of customers with disabilities.
Vodacom is committed to providing easy access to a range of mobile products, price plans and services that are suitable for persons with various disabilities. Together with various disability organisations, we place special focus on meeting the needs of our visually impaired, Deaf and hearing impaired customers, as well as senior citizens to stay connected, enabling them to live a better life today and build a better tomorrow.
We are here to help
Vodacom understands the importance of promoting communication for persons with disabilities.
Contact us using the phone numbers and/or email address below:
Account queries and product information
Email 12580@vodacom.co.za
Tel 082 12580 (FREE from any Vodacom SIM card)
SMS 12580
Register your disability
To register your disability so that you can take advantage of tailor made offers for customers with disabilities
Tel 082 12580 (FREE from any Vodacom SIM card)
Email specificneedsregistration@vodacom.co.za to request the Disability Registration Form
My Vodacom app
The My Vodacom App is your connection to staying in control of your data, voice minutes and SMS usage24/7. It has been designed to help you navigate to important information in a simple, quick and easy manner making your experience more enjoyable. All your account details at the touch of a finger with the ability to view detailed breakdowns of your account, buy airtime or data and manage your services all from your cellphone.
The My Vodacom App has been optimised to be compatible with text-to-speech applications on Android and Apple phones. Download it now, it’s FREE.
Need help finding a device with the accessibility features that work best for you?
Great devices for visually impaired customers
Vodacom offers both Apple and Android OS smart devices such as iPhone and Samsung Galaxy. These all come standard with built-in text-to-speech applications (Apple - VoiceOver and Android- TalkBack), which converts text to audio on the devices, allowing customers to listen to information such as SMSs, contacts, battery life, signal strength and more.
Apple Devices:
iPhone 6/iPhone 6 Plus
iPhone 6S/iPhone 6S Plus
iPhone 7/iPhone 7 Plus
iPhone 8
iPhone X
Android Devices:
Samsung Galaxy S8 Samsung
Galaxy S8 Plus
Samsung Galaxy J3
Samsung Galaxy J5
Samsung Galaxy S6
Samsung Galaxy S7
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
Samsung Galaxy S8 / Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus
Samsung Galaxy Note 8
Samsung Galaxy Tablets
Vodacom Smart kicka 2 / Vodacom Smart Kicka 3 (most affordable)
Need help finding a device with the accessibility features that work best for you?
Mobile and Wireless Forum
Need help finding a device with the accessibility features that work best for you?
How to activate text-to-speech on your device:
Vodacom store consultants are always ready to assist visually impaired customers who may need help turning on the VoiceOver or TalkBack application on their accessible Apple or Android devices after purchase. However, if you would like to do it yourself then follow the steps below (note that a sighted person will have to assist you initially):
Apple - How to turn VoiceOver on
1. Press the HOME button 3 times quickly or
2. Go to Settings - General – Accessibility – VoiceOver – turn it ON
Basic Gestures for Apple Devices when VoiceOver is
turned ON:
Single tap – Hear the description of what you have tapped
Double tap – Activate or open what you have tapped
Swipe right/left – Move to the next item on screen
Scroll up/down - Use 3 fingers to scroll
Android - How to turn TalkBack on:
Go to Settings – Accessibility – Vision – turn it ON
Basic Gestures for Android Devices when TalkBack is
turned ON:
Single tap – hear the description of what you have tapped
Double tap – activate or open what you have tapped
Use 2 fingers to scroll up/down
It’s important to note that when the VoiceOver or TalkBack application is activated on either your Apple or Android device, all “single taps” are replaced with “double taps”
Vodacom Kiosks at organisations for the visually impaired
There are Vodacom kiosks at various organisations, dedicated to meet the needs of Visually Impaired customers. These kiosks have visually impaired store consultants - trained to sell basic Vodacom products, offer training and information on how to use accessible devices.
Contact the following relevant organisations to book an appointment for training on an accessible device:
Pretoria - SA National Council for the Blind, Pretoria (012 452 3811)
Cape Town - Cape Town Society for the Blind, Salt River (021 448 4302)
Customer care and product support for visually impaired customers
Contact us using the phone numbers and/or email address below:
Account queries and product information
Email 12580@vodacom.co.za
Tel 082 12580 (FREE from any Vodacom SIM card)
SMS 12580
Register your disability
To register your disability so that you can take advantage of tailor made offers for customers with disabilities
Tel 082 12580 (FREE from any Vodacom SIM card)
Email specificneedsregistration@vodacom.co.za to request the Disability Registration Form
New! Vodacom 082 112 SMS Emergency Service for the Deaf
Great devices and deals for the Deaf and Hearing impaired
Are you Deaf or hearing Impaired? Customers who prefer to not make or use voice calls shouldn’t have to pay unnecessary voice costs; Vodacom has created exclusive deals for you. Vodacom offers data and SMS only deals on smart phones enabling you to stay connected with your world via the internet, email, WhatsApp, social media and text messages.
Get these great deals on the Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini Prime LTE Black smartphone
1GB Data Price Plan Top Up for 24 months – R99 per month Includes:
- VODACOM SMART TURBO 7 Black smartphone
- 1GB data
- 50 SMS
- Top Dog Voucher
2GB Data Price Plan Top Up for 24 months – R129 per month Includes:
- VODACOM SMART TURBO 7 Black smartphone
- 2GB data
- 50 SMS
- Top Dog Voucher
1GB Data Price Plan Top Up for 24 months – R129 per month Includes:
- HUAWEI Y3 (2018) GOLD smartphone
- 1GB data
- 50 SMS
- Top Dog Voucher
3GB Data Price Plan Top Up for 24 months – R179 per month Includes:
- VODACOM SMART TURBO 7 Black smartphone
- 3GB data
- 50 SMS
- Top Dog Voucher
5GB Data Price Plan Top Up for 24 months – R229 per month Includes:
- VODACOM SMART TURBO 7 Black smartphone
- 5GB data
- 50 SMS
- Top Dog Voucher
3GB Data Price Plan Top Up for 24 months – R199 per month Includes:
- HUAWEI Y3 (2018) GOLD smartphone
- 3GB data
- 50 SMS
- Top Dog Voucher
2GB Data Price Plan Top Up for 24 months – R149 per month Includes:
- HUAWEI Y3 (2018) GOLD smartphone
- 2GB data
- 50 SMS
- Top Dog Voucher
1GB Data Price Plan Top Up for 24 months – R129 per month Includes:
- HUAWEI Y3 (2018) GREY smartphone
- 1GB data
- 50 SMS
- Top Dog Voucher
2GB Data Price Plan Top Up for 24 months – R149 per month Includes:
- HUAWEI Y3 (2018) GREY smartphone
- 2GB data
- 50 SMS
- Top Dog Voucher
5GB Data Price Plan Top Up for 24 months – R249 per month Includes:
- HUAWEI Y3 (2018) GOLD smartphone
- 5GB data
- 50 SMS
- Top Dog Voucher
3GB Data Price Plan Top Up for 24 months – R199 per month Includes:
- HUAWEI Y3 (2018) GREY smartphone
- 3GB data
- 50 SMS
- Top Dog Voucher
5GB Data Price Plan Top Up for 24 months – R249 per month
- HUAWEI Y3 (2018) GREY smartphone
- 5GB data
- 50 SMS
- Top Dog Voucher
Should you require a package with a specific smartphone of your choice, but it does not appear on the list, send an e-mail to specificneedsqueries@vodacom.co.za for a further assistance.
View Vodacom Shops offering these and other deals for Deaf and hearing impaired customers
Devices compatible with hearing aids
If you are hearing impaired it is important to first discuss the accessibility of the device you wish to purchase, with your audiologist, to determine whether your hearing aid is compatible with your chosen device, because not all hearing aids are compatible with mobile devices.
SMS bundles for the Deaf and Hearing impaired
We have created a SMS bundle price plan, suitable for you, giving you more value and ensuring you stay connected when you purchase an SMS bundle, you receive an extra SMS bundle, FREE of charge.
|
Standard SMS bundle |
Deaf and hearing Impaired SMS bundle |
Total Cost per bundle |
In-bundle SMS |
Out-of-bundle SMS (peak) |
Out-of-bundle SMS (off-peak) |
|
20 |
40 |
R10.00 |
25c |
80c |
35c |
|
50 |
10 |
R25.00 |
25c |
80c |
35c |
|
100 |
200 |
R33.00 |
17c |
80c |
35c |
|
200 |
400 |
R45.00 |
11c |
35c |
35c |
|
300 |
600 |
R67.50 |
11c |
35c |
35c |
|
500 |
1000 |
R112.50 |
11c |
35c |
35c |
|
1000 |
2000 |
R225.00 |
11c |
35c |
35c |
|
1500 |
3000 |
R337.50 |
11c |
35c |
35c |
|
2000 |
4000 |
R450.00 |
11c |
35c |
35c |
Request this offer See full brouchure Terms and Conditions
Test your hearing
1 in 7 people experience hearing problems each year. Quick detection of hearing problems means that professional treatment can be sought early. Supported by Vodacom, Hearscreen is an innovative mobile health application for clinically-valid, time-efficient, low-cost screening with pure tone audiometry.
Customer care and product support for Deaf and hearing impaired customers
Account queries and product information
Email 12580@vodacom.co.za
Tel 082 12580 (FREE from any Vodacom SIM card)
SMS 12580
Register your disability
To register your disability so that you can take advantage of tailor made offers for customers with disabilities
Tel 082 12580 (FREE from any Vodacom SIM card)
Email specificneedsregistration@vodacom.co.za to request the Disability Registration Form
A great device for senior citizens
Vodacom caters to the Specific Needs of Senior Citizens because we understand that some elderly customers desire easy access to voice calls and SMSs when connecting with friends, family and during emergencies.
The Alcatel 2008G is a tailor-made device for senior citizens which has a large keypad and is easy to use and navigate.
Key Features:
• Large 2.4” screen display for easy reading
• Large keypad buttons with big and bold font, which is easy to see
• Multiple background colours to choose from, making reading easier
• Wireless FM radio for entertainment
• Torch
• 2MP camera to capture all the memories
• Charging cradle to make charging your device easy
• Up to 16 hours talk-time when fully charged
• Capacity for 300 SMSs
More information
Customer care and product support for senior citizens
Contact us using the phone numbers and/or email address below:
Account queries and product information
Email 12580@vodacom.co.za
Tel 082 12580 (FREE from any Vodacom SIM card)
SMS 12580
Register your disability
To register your disability so that you can take advantage of tailor made offers for customers with disabilities
Tel 082 12580 (FREE from any Vodacom SIM card)
Email specificneedsregistration@vodacom.co.za to request the Disability Registration Form