The other day I was searching for a headset which I could use for work and entertainment, when I came across the JVC gaming wireless GG-01W. This headset, with a few extra features, adds an extra layer of accessibility. This headset incorporates features which can be a game changer for people with visual impairment and for people with certain physical disabilities, however, these features can be useful for all.
![JVC GG-01W headset](https://evengrounds.com/image/jvc-headset.jpg")
Tactile features
All the controls are on the left side, it is indicated with a braille letter L, or if you are not a braille reader, three dots in a row. The headset has a mute button, when it is pressed in, it is unmuted, when it is in the out position, it is muted. Just by quickly touching the button, it is immediately obvious if the headset is muted. There is no need to check during the call if I forgot to go to mute, not to mention that I can mute and unmute while taking notes without having to switch over to the call.
The power button has a little dot which makes it easy to find. A long press will turn the headset on or off, and the status will also be announced. It will not only turn the headset on or off, but will also give an indication of the battery status, three short beeps means a full battery, two medium, and one when it is about ready for a recharge. Otherwise the headset promises thirty hours of uptime, and when not actively used, it powers itself off.
A volume control knob will also make it unnecessary to adjust the volume without having to interact with the computer.
Physical comfort
As the headset is using a dongle, the range is much longer than of a Bluetooth headset. The downside though is that one cannot use it with a phone. I was able to take it outside of the house and still get a great reception. But how does it help with comfort? It doesn’t restrict me to my desk or even to my office, which allows me to not get tired sitting at one place, or to move around and exercise during the day. For screen reader users the added advantage is that if you have a long range wireless keyboard, your office is where you sit down, or stand by a counter. I found that my daily steps increased since I’m using this headset.
Other features
The headset also comes with a long cable if you prefer to use it that way, or you can connect it to an audio recorder and use its own good quality microphone for recording. The headset is light and comfortable.
Where can I get it?
I got mine from the Harbolt Company, though at the time this was the last one. It tends to pop up at different places, I’d suggest your best bet is to run an internet search and get it where they sell it at a given time. I found it from $70 to $100. I got it at the higher end, but I still think it was worth every penny.
Conclusion: Little Changes Make a Big Difference
The JVC headset exemplifies how small, thoughtful changes can significantly improve accessibility. From the tactile mute button and voice feedback to the long battery life and versatile connectivity options, these features show that accessibility doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Simple ideas, when implemented well, can make a world of difference, proving that accessibility can be seamlessly integrated into everyday products. Not to mention that it comes at a great price.