September 2009 Technology and Disability Highlights
Volume: 9.08 September, 2009
Other Available Formats
- Microsoft Word version of September 2009 TDPH
- PDF version of September 2009 TDPH
Contents:
- Overview
- Regulatory Activities
- Legislative Activities
- Other Items of Interest
- Wireless RERC Updates
- Upcoming Events
Overview
The highlight of the month of September was the successful completion of the Wireless RERC’s State of the Technology (SOT) conference on emergency communications for persons with disabilities, held in Atlanta on September 21-23, 2009. In other developments, the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) made significant efforts to remind service providers about their obligations regarding people with disabilities and television programming. Although there were no substantive rulemakings regarding disability issues this past month, the FCC issued several Public Notices of interest. In one notice, the Commission reminds video programming distributors, particularly broadcasters, cable providers, and satellite television service providers, of their obligation to ensure the accessibility of emergency alerts for individuals with visual and hearing impairments. In another, the FCC emphasizes the upcoming requirement that Spanish language programming be made accessible through closed captioning. In addition, the FCC also continued its efforts on the National Broadband Plan, due to Congress by February 17, 2010. Recent workshops have engaged needs of people with disabilities, and a status report released this past month highlights the issues faced by people with disabilities in accessing the Internet and broadband services.
Another item of import was, Rep. Doris Matsui’s introduction of the “Broadband Affordability Act of 2009” in the House of Representatives. The bill would provide a subsidy for broadband services by expanding the FCC’s Lifeline program for low-income individuals. While people with disabilities are not a specific target for the legislation, it is possible that the Act, if passed into law, could benefit them as a result.
Legislative Activities
Universal Service Coverage for Broadband Bill Introduced in
House
09.24.2009 – Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA) introduced the “Broadband Affordability Act of 2009” [H.R. 3646]. The bill proposes expanding the FCC’s Lifeline program for low-income consumers to cover broadband services, in addition to telephone service. As part of the Universal Service Fund (USF) programs which provide subsidies for select groups, the expansion of the Lifeline program could benefit millions of Americans, including individuals with disabilities.
If passed into law, the Act would create a “Broadband Lifeline Assistance Program” that would require the FCC to establish a new USF program to enable “qualifying low-income customers residing in urban and rural areas to purchase broadband service at reduced charges by reimbursing providers for each such customer served.” In a press release accompanying the bill, Rep. Matsui observed that millions of hardworking Americans are unable to afford the broadband Internet services that have become increasingly vital for employment, education, health care, and managing family finances. After its introduction, H.R. 3646 was referred to the House Commerce Committee for consideration.
Additional Information:
Regulatory Activities
Accessible Emergency Alerts for Video Programming Focus of FCC
Notice
09.03.2009 – In response to the present hurricane season and recent wildfires in Southern California, the FCC issued a Public Notice (DA 09-2014) reminding video programmers, including broadcasters, cable operators, and satellite services, of their obligations to provide accessible emergency alerts for people with visual and hearing impairments. Section 79.2 of the FCC’s rules (47 C.F.R. § 79.2) mandates the accessibility of emergency information for people with disabilities, with no exemptions allowed. In particular, the FCC rules state the people with visual impairments should receive audio description of information conveyed by video. While the Commission concedes that closed captioning of content on short notice may be difficult, it emphasizes that some visual presentation of information is also required for people with hearing impairments.
In its Public Notice, the FCC further states that it will continue to monitor closely any alleged violations of Section 79.2, and it will review complaints for possible enforcement action. The Commission also provides information on how consumers may file complaints with the FCC.
Additional Information:
[Source: FCC]
National Broadband Plan Status Report, Disabilities
Considered
09.29.2009 – As part of its efforts to complete a National Broadband Plan (NBP) before Congress’ deadline of February 17, 2010, the FCC recently released a status report on its progress to date. So far, the Commission has held 26 workshops and hearings on key topics, with an additional 6 still scheduled. In its efforts, the FCC has heard the testimony of 230 witnesses and received 41,000 pages of written comments in response to its NBP Notice of Inquiry. The Commission has also established 40 blogs, which have received nearly 300 comments, to engage the public on the issue.
In its status report, the FCC noted that Internet usage among people with disabilities is less than half that of the general population. The Commission has expressed concern that networks, equipment, services, devices and software are not designed to be accessible to people with disabilities. The FCC concludes that accessibility is lacking in Internet content, interfaces, programming guides and menus, and tech support. The Commission will address these disability-related issues as it seeks to complete the NBP in the coming months.
Additional Information:
[Source: FCC]
Spanish Language Programming to Be Captioned, FCC Reminds Providers
09.03.2009 – The FCC released a Public Notice (DA 09-2012) reminding the public and video programming distributors that of the upcoming closed captioning requirements for nonexempt Spanish language programming. Effective January 1, 2010, 100 percent of new nonexempt Spanish programming must be closed captioned. Also, beginning on January 1, 2012, 75 percent of pre-rule nonexempt Spanish language programming must be captioned, per channel, per quarter.
These rules and benchmarks are part of the FCC’s mandate to ensure that the video programming is accessible to the Deaf and hard of hearing, as part of Section 713 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
Additional Information:
[Source: FCC]
Other Items of Interest
Report on Informal Complaints among Consumers with Disabilities Issued by FCC
09.08.2009 – The FCC’s Consumer & Governmental Affair’s Bureau released its report on the number of informal consumer complaints the Disability Rights Office (DRO) processed during the first quarter of 2009. DRO processes informal complaints in five specific categories: 1) access to telecommunications services and equipment, 2) telecommunications relay services (TRS), 3) closed captioning, 4) accessibility of video programming providing emergency information, and 5) hearing aid compatibility.
In the first quarter of 2009, the DRO received 22 informal complaints on telecommunications access (Section 255 issues), 60 complaints regarding TRS, 142 complaints on closed captioning, 2 informal complaints on emergency information access, and no complaints on hearing aid compatibility. The informal complaints received by DRO do not necessarily indicate wrongdoing by the company at issue.
Additional Information:
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Wireless RERC Updates
2009 State of the Technology Conference
09.21-23.2009 - The Wireless RERC recently held its Wireless Emergency Communications State of Technology Conference. The timing was significant given the fact it was National Preparedness Month and that, on the opening day, a state of emergency was declared in Georgia due to flooding and thunderstorms. The day after the conference ended, the President issued a declaration of disaster relief for the state. Given the circumstances, there were still more than 185 attendees, representing 15 countries and 22 states. The conference had 65 speakers on panels and sessions that engaged the accessibility of emergency communications and alerts for people with disabilities. Among the topics covered were technological solutions, user needs, policy and regulatory aspects, social networks, emergency management, and deployment strategies to ensure that people with disabilities are included in the development of next generation emergency communications.
Speakers at the conference included representatives from the Federal Communications Commission, FEMA, GEMA, Department of Homeland Security headquarters, CTIA-The Wireless Association, Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology (COAT), Gallaudet University, National Emergency Number Association, Cambridge University, Research in Motion, National Council on Disabilities, National Organization on Disability, and the WGBH National Center for Accessible Media.
The Conference Proceedings will be made available in early November. In addition, selected papers will be published in a forthcoming special issue of the International Journal of Emergency Management. In the meantime, conference information will continue to be available.
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.” available for viewing. 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.
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. CTIA’s AccessWireless.org hosts the video
series, which is accessible to visitors through captioning, 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-Mobile
USA, Inc.
Additional Information:
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Wireless RERC Consumer Forum: My Wireless Review
Helena Mitchell Interviewed about Importance of Accessible Emergency Alerts
08.26.2009 – Helena Mitchell, Ph.D., executive director of the Center for Advanced Communications Policy (CACP) at Georgia Tech and co-principal investigator for the Wireless RERC, was recently interviewed for the Georgia Radio Reading Services’ (GaRRS) radio program “Eye on Blindness.” She promoted the Wireless RERC’s recent State of the Technology conference, as well as highlighted the importance of accessible emergency alerts and information. The show aired on Wednesday, August 26, 2009, and Saturday, August 29, 2009.
Additional Information:
Upcoming Events
CSUN Call for Papers Now Open
03.22.2010-03.27.2010 – The 25th Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference, hosted by California State University, Northridge, announces its Call for Papers. The conference seeks papers in areas related to disability and technology, including augmentative and alternative communications (AAC), aging and disability, blind/low vision, cognitive disabilities, Deaf and hard of hearing, employment, Internet and web accessibility, K-12 education, learning disabilities, legal issues, and postsecondary education.
The conference will be held at the San Diego Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel, on March 22-27, 2010. The deadline for the conference’s Call for Papers is Friday, October 16, 2009. For more information about the conference, including details on how to submit a paper for presentation, please visit the CSUN Center on Disabilities website at.
[Source: CSUN Center on Disabilities]
NCTI 2009 Technology Innovators Conference
11.16-17.2009 – The National Center for Technology Innovation (NCTI) will be hosting its 2009 Technology Innovator’s Conference, to be held at the Madison Hotel in Washington, D.C., on November 16-17, 2009. The theme of this year’s conference will be “Educational Futures—Powered by Technology,” with a focus on “how learning and assistive technologies can supercharge education for all students.” The conference will feature leaders from academia, corporations, government and the media who will examine methods to strengthen teaching and learning through the effective use of technology. Presentations will focus on best and emerging practices to ensure that all students, particularly struggling learners, fulfill their academic and social potential.
In addition, NCTI will host its 2009 Tech Expo at the conference. It will provide an opportunity to showcase innovative learning and assistive technology products and network with others from industry, academia, policy, and the media. For more information about the conference, how to submit a proposal for the expo, and submission guidelines, please visit the NCTI website.
[Source: NCTI]
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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