April 2009 Technology and Disability Policy Highlights
Volume: 9.04 April, 2009
Other Available Formats
Contents:
- Overview
- Legislative Activities
- Regulatory Activities
- Other Items of Interest
- Wireless RERC Updates
- Upcoming
Events
Overview
As the digital television (DTV) transition deadline of June 12, 2009 nears, this past month saw policymakers working to address the impact of the switch on people with disabilities. Of note was the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) creation of a technical working group to evaluate and address closed captioning and video description issues related to the DTV transition. In addition, the FCC has stepped up its efforts to prepare the nation for the DTV transition by updating the federal DTV website, to include more detailed information about the transition in users’ local areas. The FCC has also teamed up with Consumers Union to produce a new guide to help prepare users for the DTV transition.
In other developments, the federal government is now putting into action the recently passed “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.” The legislation, which appropriated $787 billion for a variety of projects and programs throughout the nation, includes a provision for the creation of a national broadband plan. The FCC released a Notice of Inquiry this past month in order to begin the process of creating this plan, and it seeks comment specifically from the disability community, among the various stakeholders who have been engaged. Also related to the passage of the Recovery Act, the U.S. Access Board has issued some policy guidance on its website regarding the need for these projects to be accessible to people with disabilities. Of particular concern is ensuring that information technology projects comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Additional Information:
- Legislative Activities Recovery Act website
- Access Board
information on Recovery Act and Accessibility
Legislative Activities
Accessibility Required of Recovery Act Projects, Access Board Advises
03.30.2009 – The U.S. Access Board, an independent federal agency
that oversees compliance with federal accessibility regulation, has
provided policy guidance regarding the mandated accessibility of
projects funded by the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act”
[Public Law No. 111-5], alternately known as the “stimulus
package.” The Access Board notes that projects funded from the
$787 billion measure must comply with federal accessibility laws,
including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Architectural
Barriers Act (ABA), and Rehabilitation Act, as well as the
various standards that have been issued under these acts, including ADA
standards for facilities and transportation vehicles, ABA standards for
federally funded facilities, and standards for electronic and
information technology issued under Section 508 of the
Rehabilitation Act.
The Access Board offers more specific guidance on a variety of
projects that may be funded by the Recovery Act, including
facility construction and renovation, transportation systems, housing,
streets and sidewalks, and outdoor environments and recreation
facilities, and information technology. Regarding the issue of
information technology, the Access Board has observed that it is likely
that Recovery Act money will be used to acquire or upgrade IT
systems and infrastructure. Electronic and information technologies
procured by federal agencies must be accessible under the
Rehabilitation Act (Section 508) and meet the Board’s Section
508 standards. These standards cover computer hardware and
software, websites, phone systems, videos, copiers, and similar
technologies. Non-federal entities are strongly encouraged to follow
these standards voluntarily to make sure acquired technology is
accessible. For more information on Section 508, the Access
Board has a website at http://www.section508.gov.
Additional Information:
[Sources: Access Board and Recovery.gov]
Regulatory Activities
Digital Closed Captioning, Video Description to Be
Addressed by FCC Working Group
05.01.2009 – The FCC has announced the establishment of a technical working group to focus on matters of television programming accessibility for individuals with disabilities, especially those with hearing and visual impairments. The purpose of the group will be to conduct an assessment of closed captioning and video description issues associated with the transition to DTV, as well as to recommend to the FCC’s Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC) solutions to any technical problems associated with these services that have resulted from the transition. Specifically, the working group has been charged with meeting three goals, 1) identify current and anticipated problems with the transmission and display of digital closed captions and video description; 2) evaluate the closed captioning and video description capabilities of digital equipment; and 3) develop solutions to ensure that closed captions and video description are passed through intact to consumers.
The working group will be a subcommittee of the CAC. The members of the working group were appointed by and serve at the discretion of the Chairman of the FCC. Members of the working group include members from the broadcast, cable, satellite, and local exchange carrier video industries; manufacturers of consumer electronics; manufacturers of equipment used in or connected with the processing and encoding of closed captions and video description; consumer electronics retailers; closed captioning and video description providers; and consumers of closed captions and video description.
The Commission’s Public Notice on the technical working group
contains more details about the issues to be addressed and a complete
list of members. In addition, a tentative agenda for the group’s
first meeting, to be held on May 18, 2009, is also included.
Additional Information:
[Source: FCC]
DTV Transition Efforts by FCC Ongoing
04.21.2009 – As the nation continues to prepare for the DTV
transition deadline, scheduled to be completed on June 12, 2009, the
FCC and other federal authorities are continuing their efforts to
prepare the nation and ensure that consumers, including people with
disabilities, are not left behind. Most important this past month
was a partnership by the FCC and Consumers Union (CU) to distribute a new consumer
guide to help Americans prepare for the transition. In addition,
the FCC has recently updated its DTV website, http://www.dtv.org, in
order to provide consumers with more specific information capable of
answering a wide variety of questions.
The booklet, which was produced by CU’s Consumer Reports magazine,
provides instructions, tips, and visual aids to help consumers make the
switch to receiving digital signals. The booklet may be obtained
from the DTV website, or by calling the FCC’s DTV helpline at
1-888-CALL-FCC. It is also available at DTV walk-in help centers
and mobile clinics. The updated website allows consumers to
locate nearby support centers, obtain channel and contact information
for local stations, find nearby DTV events, and determine which
stations have already made the transition to all-digital
broadcasting. Even more useful, consumers who enter a home
address on the DTV reception map page are able to view which stations
they should be able to receive once the transition is complete.
Additional Information:
[Source: FCC]
First Responders’ Use of Broadband Communications Enhanced by FCC
04.09.2009 – The FCC adopted a Report & Order and Further Notice
of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 09-29), designed to expand and enhance
first responders’ deployment and use of broadband communication
technologies in the 4.9 GHz band. The FCC took these actions in
order to provide emergency responders with additional flexibility to
communicate and share data.
In particular, the FCC granted primary status to 4.9 GHz stand-alone,
permanent fixed links that are used to deliver broadband service (such
as a fixed video surveillance link used to monitor high-risk facilities
or environments). It also conferred the same status on permanent
fixed links that connect 4.9 GHz base and mobile stations used to
deliver broadband service (for such uses as supporting broadband
communications at “hot-spots” and other fixed public safety broadband
networks), as well as connect other public safety networks using
spectrum designated for broadband use. These new rules will also
better enable first responders to more easily share time-sensitive data
and streaming video footage in emergencies or life-threatening
incidents. In its rulemaking, the FCC also seeks comment on a
number of related issues.
Additional Information:
[Source: FCC]National Broadband Plan Development Initiated by FCC
04.08.2009 – The FCC began the process of developing a national
broadband plan this month, as mandated by the recent passage of the
“American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.” To begin the
process, the FCC adopted a Notice of Inquiry (FCC 09-31) that seeks
input from all stakeholders, including the disability community.
The FCC must then deliver the plan to Congress by February 17, 2010,
for its consideration.
The plan will serve as a roadmap for ensuring that all Americans reap
the benefits of broadband. Toward these ends, the Recovery
Act mandates that the plan consider several key elements of
broadband deployment and use. These issues on which the FCC seeks
comment include, 1) the most effective and efficient ways to ensure
broadband access for all Americans; 2) strategies for achieving
affordability and maximum utilization of broadband infrastructure and
services; and 3) evaluation of the status of broadband
deployment. Especially relevant for people with disabilities is a
fourth objective: how to use broadband to advance consumer welfare,
civic participation, public safety and homeland security, community
development, health care delivery, energy independence and efficiency,
education, worker training, private sector investment, entrepreneurial
activity, job creation and economic growth, and other national
purposes.
Comments to the NOI are
due by June 8, 2009, and reply comments are due no later than July 7,
2009.
Additional Information:
[Source: FCC]Other Items of Interest
National Council on Disability Report on Federal Employment of People with Disabilities
03.31.2009 – The National Council on Disability (NCD) released a report entitled “Federal Employment of People with Disabilities,” which examines the status of people employed by the federal government and offers recommendations to improve the hiring and advancement of these employees with disabilities. In summary, the NCD report found that despite laws, regulations, policy guidance, and other mechanisms to promote employment opportunities for people with disabilities, the number of employees with disabilities within the federal government remains low. However, the report also finds that increased recognition of key barriers to federal employment has created the opportunity for promising solutions to the problem.
Toward these ends, the NCD makes 10 recommendations. Five of
the recommendations address the need for the Office of Personnel
Management (OPM) to examine
personnel practices that persist as barriers to hiring and advancing
qualified people with disabilities. Four other recommendations call on
Congress to request the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct
studies on Schedule A, supervisor practices, and the veterans’
preference system, as well as to expand the authority of the
Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program. One final recommendation,
aimed at job seekers, encourages people with disabilities to take
advantage of the information available on opportunities within the
federal government.
Additional Information:
- NCD Paper: Federal Employment of People with Disabilities (PDF version)
-
NCD Paper: Federal Employment of People with Disabilities (MS Word
version)
Wireless RERC Updates
2009 State of the Technology Conference: Registration Now Open
03.01.2009 - The Wireless RERC is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the Wireless Emergency Communications State of Technology Conference. This event will take place at the Georgia Tech Research Institute Conference Center in Atlanta, Georgia, USA on September 21-23, 2009. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to participate in interactive sessions, weigh in on federal policy initiatives, and view promising technology demonstrations.
Speakers will include representatives from:
- CTIA-- Wireless Association
- Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology
- Federal Communications Commission
- Gallaudet University
- National Emergency Number Association
- National Telecommunications Information Administration
- Research in Motion
- WGBH National Center for Accessible Media
Topics will cover:
- Technological solutions for accessible emergency
alerting.
- Barriers and opportunities for emergency alerting.
- User needs to achieve accessible emergency
communications.
- Policy and regulatory actions needed to achieve accessible
wireless alerts.
- Social networks and collaborations to promote accessible
mobile wireless systems.
- Inclusion of people with disabilities in emergency
scenarios.
- Emergency management technologies for connectivity to the
disability community.
- Deployment strategies by emergency management or public
safety entities to provide emergency alerts over wireless
networks.
Special networking events will provide attendees the opportunity to meet speakers, sponsors and connect with colleagues. There are limited slots for attendees, so register now!
If you have questions, please contact:
Salimah LaForce
Conference Coordinator, Wireless RERC
404-894-8297 (office)
404-791-9692 (mobile)
Additional Information:
Hearing Aid Compatibility Videos: Choosing a Cell Phone that Works For You
03.01.2009 – The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Wireless Technologies (Wireless RERC) and CTIA - The Wireless Association® announced the release of a new consumer education video series, “Hearing Aid Compatibility: Choosing a Cell Phone That Works For You.”, these videos will help wireless consumers who use hearing aids to identify and choose a hearing aid-compatible (HAC) wireless device that meets their needs
Each video outlines the key information consumers need to choose a HAC wireless device. The first segment presents general HAC and wireless device information as told by a certified audiologist. The second segment demonstrates a suggested “try and buy” process between a customer representative and a consumer at an actual wireless carrier's retail store.
audio description and both high- and low-resolution versions. This video series may also be used by wireless carriers as a training tool for sales and customer support staff. The video series was produced by the Wireless RERC with the support of the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS), AT&T, Audiological Consultants of Atlanta, CTIA - The Wireless Association®, Gallaudet University’s Technology Access Program, the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), Nokia, Research In Motion (BlackBerry ®), Samsung and T-Mobil, Nokia, Research In Motion (BlackBerry ®), Samsung and T-Mobile USA, Inc.
Additional Information:
- Hearing Aid Compatibility Videos: Choosing a Cell Phone that Works for You
- Wireless RERC Consumer Forum: My Wireless Review.
Helena Mitchell and Salimah LaForce Present at INCLUDE 2009 Conference
04.05.2009 - Helena Mitchell, Ph.D. and Salimah LaForce gave two
presentations at the 5th International Conference on Inclusive Design
(INCLUDE 2009) at the Royal College of Art in London, on April 5-8,
2009. The conference, sponsored by the Audi Design Foundation, brought
together academic researchers, practicing designers, consumer advocates
and policymakers to create a dialogue concerning an inclusive approach
to design practice, research and business.
Helena Mitchell presented “Accessible Wireless Alerts for People
with Disabilities: Realizing New Ideas” (Helena Mitchell, Ph.D. and
Salimah LaForce, Wireless RERC). This presentation focused on the
summative findings from the Wireless RERC's Wireless Emergency
Communications project to develop and field test a working solution for
providing accessible emergency alerts on wireless devices.
Salimah LaForce presented “U.S. Regulation of Emergency Alerts: The
Accessibility Aspect” (Helena Mitchell, Ph.D. and Salimah LaForce,
Wireless RERC). This presentation discussed the progress of policy
directives in promoting the inclusive design of a national alerting
system, specifically focusing on the modernization of the Emergency
Alert System (EAS) and the forthcoming Commercial Mobile Alert System
(CMAS).
Additional Information:
- Helena Mitchell, Ph.D.: Accessible Wireless Emergency Alerts: Realizing New Ideas (PowerPoint)
-
Salimah LaForce and Helena Mitchell, Ph.D.: U.S. Regulation of
Emergency Alert Systems: The Accessibility Aspect (MS Word)
Upcoming Events
Access Board Town Hall Meeting in Boston, May 28, 2009
The Access Board will hold a town hall meeting on May 28, 2009, at
the Fairmont Copley Hotel in Boston. As part of its work as an
independent government agency, the Board travels to a different city
each year to hold a town hall meeting and open dialogue with the public
on accessibility and the work of the Board. These events enable members
of the public and interested parties to learn more about Board programs
and initiatives and to share issues or questions concerning access to
the built environment, transportation, communication, and information
technology.
The upcoming meeting will provide a forum for general discussion and feature panel discussions on various topics, including promoting accessibility in design education, the work of the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (MAAB), and museum exhibit design. For more information, please contact Kathy Johnson by e-mail at johnson@access-board.gov, or by telephone at 202-272-0041 (voice) or 202-272-0082 (TTY).
Additional Information:
DTV Transition
On June 12, 2009, all full-power broadcast television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting on analog airwaves and begin broadcasting only in digital.
Additional Information:
Technology and Disability Policy Highlights reports on national and local public policy events and recent wireless technological advances and political activities; and tracks emerging issues of interest to individuals with disabilities. Technology and Disability Policy Highlights is published monthly by the Wireless RERC. The Wireless RERC is a research center promotes universal access to wireless technologies and explores their innovative applications in addressing the needs of people with disabilities.
For further information on items summarized in this report, or if you have items of interest that you would like included in future editions, please contact this edition’s editor, Nathan W. Moon [nathan.moon@cacp.gatech.edu] or Paul M.A. Baker, Ph.D., AICP, CACP Director of Research [paul.baker@cacp.gatech.edu].
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