Text Messaging

Text messaging is the exchange of short written messages between mobile devices over a cellular or data network, most commonly using the SMS (Short Message Service) or MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) standards, or modern over-the-top messaging apps. Text messaging has been a transformative accessibility technology for Deaf and hard-of-hearing users since the 1990s, offering direct peer-to-peer written communication that does not depend on voice calls, relay services, or specialised TTY hardware. It is also a common accommodation for people with speech disabilities, severe anxiety around phone calls, or cognitive disabilities who find asynchronous written communication easier to manage than live voice exchange. Design considerations include adequate font size, screen-reader compatibility of messaging apps, keyboard accessibility, and support for alternative input (voice dictation, symbol-based communication, predictive text).