Accessibility

We want to make sure that all our customers get the best out of our network and services, whatever their age, needs and abilities. If you would like to contact someone directly please contact us. Three is always increasing the range of services and support provided online, and many of your product or service requirements will be addressed through www.three.ie. Should you need further assistance, click here to contact our care team by phone, fax or email.

Click here for the Accessibility statement

Website Accessibility

We have created this section, to provide you with some practical advice and information on using our services. This section of our site is designed to comply with the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). Our accessible pages are structured so that they can be easily navigated with a keyboard (using tab, return and space keys).

Accessibility options for different browsers

Your normal browser will have its own accessibility options or free downloads to increase accessibility options and improve your browsing experience.

Phone Information

We offer a wide range of mobile phones with accessible features. When looking for a phone to suit your needs, there are some key features to look out for, including assistance with certain types of vision, hearing or mobility impairments listed below. Please contact us if you'd like advice on phones. There is also a link below to an easy search function that helps you find suitable smartphone apps from the Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative (GARI) website.

Hearing

Key Features:

  • Volume settings: phones with a loud maximum volume will be easier to hear when they ring. Volume control keys on the phone body makes it easier to control the volume while you talk.
  • Vibrate: visual alerts and vibrate options are available on most phones.
  • Hands free: an in-ear headset will cut out background noise and help you hear the conversation.
  • Text-friendly: some phones are particularly adapted to heavy use of text messages, instant messaging and email. A large screen, predictive text, and a QWERTY keyboard can all help you communicate comfortably by text.
  • Neckloop: some phones are compatible with inductive neckloops, meaning the sound from your phone can be wirelessly sent to your hearing aid.

Search for Smartphone Apps for hearing here

Vision

Key Features:

  • Easy-to-use keypad: features like large buttons, a raised dot on the 5 key, back-lit keys or sound or touch feedback can help you use the keypad.
  • Clear display: screens with changeable font size or backlighting can be easier to read.
  • Speech recognition: some phones will allow you to dial a number by simply speaking the name or number.
  • Hands free: using a headset means you don't have to search for your phone when it rings.
  • Personalised ringtones: know who's calling by giving different ringtones to your contacts.
  • Cameras with zoom: the zoom function on some camera phones can be used to magnify things.
  • Speaking software: text to speech software can be installed on some phones so you can listen to text you have trouble reading.

Search for Smartphone Apps for vision here

Mobility & Dexterity

Key Features:

  • Big buttons: phones that have large buttons can be easier to grip and use.
  • Easy dialling: phones with speech-activated dialling, or speed dialling features make it easier to dial your favourite numbers.
  • Text-friendly: some phones have handy texting features like pre-set messages or predictive text which reduce the number of keystrokes needed to send a text.
  • Hands free: wireless headsets and loudspeaker functions mean you can have a conversation without having to hold your phone or even be next to it.

Search for Smart Phone Apps for dexterity here

Irish Text Relay Service

Irish Text Relay Service (ITRS) is a service provided for deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired people in the Republic of Ireland. ITRS allows for the translation of text into voice and voice into text, to facilitate a person with making and receiving calls independently. This service is accessible from the Three network.

Customers can now make and receive text relay calls through a range of PC or mobile media devices. Customers can avail of the service from itrs.ie

The extent to which a customer can use the various features of the ITRS may vary depending on needs as follows:
Type and Read
You type and our and our ITRS agents will convert the words to speech. Speech at the other end appears as text on your screen.
Speak and Read
You speak and read the responses. An ITRS call incorporates a standard phone call, presenting the option to speak instead of typing
Type and Listen
You type and the standard call that operates in parallel, enables listening to what the other party is saying. The text on your screen can operate like subtitles, substituting or supplementing your hearing.

For further information regarding the ITRS and how to access the service, please visit www.itrs.ie

Accessibility Apps

There are lots of apps available to assist mobile phone and tablet users with additional needs. Check out the Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative (GARI) website to find the right app for you. You can easily search by your requirements and location. You can also search for the right device for your needs.

Find Mobile Apps http://www.gari.info/findapps.cfm

Find Phones & Tablets http://www.gari.info/findphones.cfm

Picking the Right Price Plan

We have plenty of plans to choose from that suit how you use your phone, whether that’s voice, text or data. You also can choose from a range of price plans and add-ons on prepay or bill pay to suit you. If you'd like advice on which plan is best for you, please contact us. You can also drop into one of our 3Stores or call customer care on 1913.

Billing & Customer Support Information

If you find it difficult to read printed text, there are other ways you can access your billing information. To request the right billing format for you, please contact a member of our customer service team. If you would like to contact someone directly please contact us.

Registering your requirements

You can register your requirements, including product and service preferences, billing preferences, equipment requirements and preferred means of contact by contacting our customer care team. Please click here to contact us directly via email, alternatively you can contact us via webchat which is available on our website or call us on 1913 or by post – all contact details are detailed in our Code of Practice. You can also register another person on your account, who can assist you in contacting us or querying your account. They must be registered as an authorised contact on your account to discuss your account or make changes.

112 – The EU Emergency Phone Number: SMS Service

The 112 SMS service lets deaf, hard of hearing and speech-impaired people in the Republic of Ireland send SMS text messages* to the Emergency Call Answering Service (ECAS) where it will be passed to An Garda Síochána, the ambulance service, the fire service, or the Irish Coastguard.

You must REGISTER for the service and you can find out how it works on their website www.112.ie.

Three’s Code of practice

Our Code of Practice sets out how Three are socially responsible and details how we deal with any billing, service or other issues. The Code outlines a minimum set of standards that apply to the handling of complaints by Three. For more information click here.

Should you require a copy of the Code in any particular format, please let us know.

 

Directory Enquires 196

If you have a vision impairment and have difficulty reading the phone book you can register to avail of a free directory enquiry service. You can contact 1800 574 574 to obtain a registration form. As part of registration will need to provide certified confirmation that you are eligible to register for the 196 service. Once you are registered you will be allocated a special PIN number which you then provide to the 196 operator each time you make a directory enquiry.

The service operates as follows: First dial 196. The agent will then ask you, in sequence, for your PIN number, your name, and the name and address of the person/company whose number you require.

Customers should have a means of recording the numbers close to hand.

If for any reason you are unable to make the call yourself, you can have somebody else do so on your behalf.

Phone Testing & Returns

If you have bought a phone in-store and use a hearing aid/cochlear implant, you can return your device if it does not meet your specific hearing needs. You have a 14 day cancellation right from the date of purchase and you will need to provide certification by a registered medical practitioner. The device must be returned undamaged and in its original packaging. You will be responsible for any charges which apply for using Three service.

Useful Links

Please see below a list of other organisations that may be of interest:

National Disability Authority: www.nda.ie

Commission for Communications Regulations (ComReg): www.comreg.ie

Disability Federation of Ireland: www.disability-federation.ie

National Council for the Blind of Ireland: https://www.ncbi.ie