Collaborative Policy Approaches to Promote Equitable Access

October, 2006 – September, 2011

Project Team

• Paul M.A. Baker, Ph.D., Project Director
• Peter Blanck, Ph.D., J.D.

Policy Network Collaborators

• Kevin Caves
• Judy Harkins
• Katherine D. Seelman
• Shelly Kaplan
• Andrew Ward

Problem

• A wide variety of wireless technologies and services have become generally available in the U.S. though significant issues involving access to these technologies still exist for people with disabilities 
• Improved access to wireless technologies, services, and devices can be facilitated through policy change at appropriate points of the policy and regulatory process
• Appropriate wireless devices, and specialized communications programs essential in providing emergency information to people with disabilities over digital wireless networks, are not readily available. Development of specialized communication subsystems, and policy interventions can facilitate implementation of standardize inter-operable systems.

Approach

• Conduct a baseline policy assessment of extant or potential barriers or opportunities impacting the adoption and use of wireless technologies by people with disabilities. 
• Evaluate the impact of regulations, rules and policy change on the wireless accessibility landscape and provide feedback to the RERC, related RERCs, disability groups, and the research community.
• Develop policy options focused toward policy agencies with the goal to increase accessibility for people with disabilities.
• Examine the extent to which access issues are addressed in planning and implementing municipal WiFi networks.
• Identify steps that need to be taken to ensure equitable access of WiFi networks. 
• Review existing FCC disability access rules to identify opportunities to create a more comprehensive Emergency Alert System
• Present findings and policy recommendations in filings before the FCC, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other regulatory agencies and advocacy groups, with the goal to affect existing federal rules, regulations, and standards surrounding the delivery of emergency alerts. 
• Preliminary results from this policy analysis and the companion RERC development project on emergency alerts (D3) will serve as the basis for the Wireless RERC's State of the Science Conference. 

Progress / Updates

• Baseline assessment of barriers and opportunities in progress
• FCC disability access policy analysis in progress
• Review of RERC related policy research impacting wireless technologies, and evaluation of research synergies in progress
• Identification of municipal WiFi systems completed and case studies in progress
• Monthly Technology Disability Policy Highlights  (ongoing) 

Resources / Links

• Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology
  COAT is a new coalition of disability  organizations that advocates for legislative and regulatory safeguards that will ensure full access by people with disabilities to evolving high speed broadband, wireless and other Internet protocol (IP) technologies.
• Filing on Reallocation of 30 MHz of 700 MHz Spectrum for Public Safety Use

  The Wireless RERC submitted comments to the FCC on November 29, 2006, addressing issues involved with use and reallocation of a portion of the 700 MHz spectrum in response to a Petition for Rulemaking: Cyren Call Communications Corporation – Reallocation of 30 MHz of 700 MHz Spectrum from Commercial Use – Assignment of 30 MHz of 700 MHz Spectrum to the Public Safety Broadband Trust for Deployment of a Shared Public Safety/Commercial Next Generation Wireless Network:

• National Council on Disability (NCD) study: Over the Horizon: Potential Impact of Emerging Trends in Information and Communication Technology on Disability Policy and Practice

  This policy paper explores key trends in information and communication technology, highlights the potential opportunities and problems these trends present for people with disabilities, and suggests some strategies to maximize opportunities and avoid potential problems and barriers.

Previous Wireless RERC Project (2001 - 2006)

• Policy Initiatives to Support Universal Access