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June, 2007 Technology and Disability Highlights

Volume: 7.06 June, 2007

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Overview

In June Congressional attention was focused on Social Security concerns, revisions to the Internal Revenue Code, and Energy Issues, to name a few, hence there is little legislative activity of a reportable nature regarding people with disabilities and wireless technology.  However in the regulatory arena disability issues took center stage.  The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has extended disability access requirements to interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services in a Report and Order [FCC 07-110] released on June 15, 2007.  Two of the informal working groups of the Commercial Mobile Service Alert Advisory Committee are tackling technical issues related to ensuring that people with disabilities receive accessible emergency alerts in the most appropriate format and mode.  Along those same lines the FCC adopted an Order [EB Docket No. 06-119; WC Docket No. 06-63] Implementing Katrina Panel Recommendations which addresses, among other things, accessible emergency alerts and information for people with disabilities.  Also, both the Consumer Advisory Committee and Intergovernmental Advisory Committee were re-chartered this month and share the same focus, the transition from analog broadcasts to digital television.  Both committees will also address access to telecommunication and broadband respectively.

 

Also of note are public hearings scheduled for the near future:  on July 24, 2007 the U.S. Access Board will hold a town meeting “Access Board Town Meeting” and public hearing in Denver, Colorado.  The town meeting will provide a forum for the public to advise the Board on accessibility and issues of concern pertaining to the built environment, transportation, communication, and information technology; also the National Council on Disability (NCD) Quarterly Meeting will be held in Chicago on July 24-26, 2007.  The 3-day event is free and open to the public.

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Legislative / Policy Activities

The majority of Congressional activity was at the committee and subcommittee levels, with a good deal of attention focused on FY2008 allocations, particularly Homeland Security and Energy and Water. In the technology arena, Senate subcommittees focus attention on general technology issues such as patent protection, intellectual property and copyright issues. Of note was a mark-up hearing on S. 1650, The Max Cleland Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act. The bill “establishes within the National Science Foundation an Office of Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology to carry out the provisions of this Act;” the office is intended to “ (1) strengthen the ability of eligible institutions to provide capacity for instruction in digital and wireless network technologies by providing grants to, or executing contracts or cooperative agreements with, those institutions to provide such instruction; and (2) strengthen the national digital and wireless infrastructure by increasing national investment in telecommunications and technology infrastructure at eligible institutions.

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Regulatory Activities

Commercial Mobile Service Alert Advisory Committee (CMSAAC) Meeting Update

 

6.11.2007 – CMSAAC, the advisory committee chartered by the FCC to prepare recommendations regarding the establishment of a unified national alert system that incorporates a wide variety of media, including wireless telecommunications, for delivering alerts to multiple forms of technology (including wireless handsets), and contains mechanisms for ensuring access to alerts by people with disabilities released the transcript and power point presentations for the meeting held on May 16, 2007 (see May’s issue of the TDPH for more information on the inception of CMSAAC and their mission).  Kay Chiodo, CEO of Deaf Link presented Texas’ implementation of Deaf Link’s Accessible Hazard Alert System (AHAS) which provides access to emergency information for persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind and deaf-blind.  After receiving the state’s emergency alert, AHAS provides broadcasters in the affected area(s) with the same information in American Sign Language, text and voice for broadcast.  This same information is then made available through Deaf Link’s Accessible Hazard Alert System Individual Notification (AHAS-IN) to program enrollees in a modality based on the recipient’s disability (i.e., video via wireless devices with internet and video capability, text via e-mail and SMS and voice via the internet).  There was an extensive question and answer period after Mr. Chiodo’s presentation which addressed the technical issues of applying a system designed for people with disabilities to a national system designed for the general population. 

Following Deaf Link’s presentation the five working groups gave updates on their progress towards meeting their August deadline for submitting draft recommendations to the Project Management Group.  Two of the informal working groups are addressing the needs of people with disabilities, the Communications Technology Group and the User Needs Working Group.  The latter reported several new draft conclusions with regard to defining emergency message formats for special needs users (e.g., text, video, audio).  For the Deaf and hard of hearing they recommend a unique vibration attention signal and unique audio attention signal with more than one frequency in the low range.  For the Blind and people with low vision, cognitive disabilities and manual dexterity  they don’t recommend any unique needs regarding attention signal, but do propose to use speech version for blind people, high contrast displays, sans serif font, simple language with minimal use of abbreviations and to minimize scrolling and manipulation.  The CTG reports that they will being addressing special needs requirements in the next three months. 

[Source:  FCC]

 

Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC) Re-chartered

 

06.08.2007 – The FCC announced the re-chartering of the Consumer Advisory Committee to address consumer issues within the Commission’s jurisdiction.  The main focus of the CAC this term is to inform and prepare consumers, especially the elderly, low-income, non-English speaking consumers and people with disabilities about the digital television transition, mandated by law to be completed by February 17, 2009.  Among the other topics to be addressed by the CAC is access by people with disabilities to telecommunications products and services, video description, telecommunications relay services, closed captioning and accessible billing.  Debra Berlyn, of the Digital Television Transition Coalition, will serve as chairperson of the CAC and there are five representatives from the disabilities community on the 26 member committee.  The first meeting of the renewed committee will be on Friday, August 10, 2007 from 9am – 4pm in Washington, D.C. and is open to the public and will be broadcast via the Internet in Real Audio/Real Video format with captioning.

[Source:  FCC]

 

Disability Access Rules Extended to VoIP Services

 

6.15.2007 – The FCC released a Report and Order [FCC 07-110] extending disability access requirements that apply to telecommunications service providers and manufacturers under section 255 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, to providers of interconnected voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) services and to manufacturers of specially designed equipment used to provide VoIP.  Additionally, Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) requirements have been extended to VoIP providers requiring them to contribute to the Interstate TRS Fund and to offer 711 abbreviated dialing to gain access to relay services.  In the First Report and Order And Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding IP Enabled services [WC Docket No. 04-36], the Commission includes commercial mobile radio service (CMRS) in the definition of “interconnected” IP enabled services.  Though wireless VoIP (wVoIP) is not yet widely deployed or adopted it is the logical next step in the evolution of VoIP.  The consumer trend to substitute landlines for wireless phones is as notable as the trend to substitute traditional telecommunications services for VoIP.  One can expect to see these two trends merge into one; the substitution of landlines for wVoIP.  The Commission’s inclusion of CMRS in the definition of interconnected IP enabled services may indicate the Commission’s anticipation of wVoIP. 

[Source:  FCC]

 

 

FCC Adopts Order Implementing Katrina Panel Recommendations

 

6.8.2007 – The FCC released the Order titled Recommendations of the Independent Panel Reviewing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Communications Networks (the “Order”, the “Panel”) [EB Docket No. 06-119; WC Docket No. 06-63] and put into action many of the Panel’s recommendations.  The majority of recommendations addressed over-arching issues of system reliability and resiliency, emergency back-up power sources, training of emergency response personnel in alternative technologies and First Responder communications interoperability which are aimed at increasing the efficacy of communications before, during and after an emergency.  The Panel also suggested recommendations specifically aimed at ensuring that people with disabilities receive emergency alerts.  Specifically, the Panel recommended that the FCC “promptly find a mechanism to resolve technical and financial hurdles in the EAS system to ensure that non-English speaking people or people with disabilities have access to public warnings…the Commission work with trade associations and the disability community to create and publicize best practices for serving persons with disabilities…and encourage state and local government agencies that provide emergency information to take steps to make this information accessible to persons with disabilities…”  In response to these recommendations the Commission stated that accessible Emergency Alert System (EAS) alerts are already being addressed in the current EAS rulemaking proceeding, and additionally cited the Commercial Mobile service Alert Advisory Committee as the official entity charged with consideration of said issues with regard to wireless service providers participating in the delivery of emergency alerts.  Further, the Commission directed their Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) in conjunction with the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) to collaborate with industry, state, tribal and local governments and organizations that represent people with disabilities to address the Panel’s recommendations as they pertain to the disability community.

 

Also of note, the Commission included reply comments made by the Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TDI) and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) in the Order.  TDI’s recommendations address closed captioning and telecommunications relay service (TRS) issues.  They propose that (1) broadcasters form  contractual or cooperative agreements among captioning providers to ensure that broadcasts can be captioned in the event of emergencies regardless of the location of  the emergency; (2) captioning services personnel be designated as essential personnel; (3) the Commission require all TRS providers to have back-up power (4) require that all TRS providers have contingency plans for TRS centers that may be unable to operate due to significant damage or call overload; and (5) all TRS personnel be deemed essential personnel during emergencies.  The Commission’s response is to direct CGB to consider TDI’s proposed recommendations in an appropriate proceeding.

 

Finally, the AAPD advises the Commission to consider compelling IP Relay and Video Relay Service (VRS) providers to develop a means for conducting emergency calls through TRS.   The Commission notes that this issue is currently pending before the Commission in the November 30, 2005 VRS 9-1-1 Notice of Proposed Rule Making and was also discussed during the E 9-1-1 Disability Access Summit on November 15, 2006.  However, in the Order the Commission reaffirms that CGB’s Disability Rights Office and PSHSB continue with their efforts to consult with the disability community and Internet-based TRS providers on these matters. 

[Source: FCC 07-107]

 

FEMA Announces National Advisory Council Members

 

6.19.2007 – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) thirty member National Advisory Council (the “Council”) includes Hilary Styron, Director of the Emergency Preparedness Initiative within the National Organization on Disability and Irene Collins, Executive Director of the Alabama Department of Senior Services as representatives for the disabilities and special needs communities.  The Post-Katrina Emergency Reform Act of 2006 was the impetus for the formation of the Council.  Members are appointed by the Administrator, now, David Paulison.  The Council is being established to develop and revise the national preparedness goal, the national preparedness system, the National Incident Management System, the National Response Plan, and other related plans and strategies. 
[Source:  FEMA]

 

Intergovernmental Advisory Committee Re-chartered

 

6.8.2007 – The FCC announced the re-chartering of the Intergovernmental Advisory Committee and made its primary focus, just like the CAC, the education of consumers on the transition to digital television (DTV), especially to elderly, low-income, people with disabilities, people living in rural areas and non-English speaking consumers.  The Commission contends that intergovernmental collaboration and coordination is vital to facilitating a seamless transition to DTV by all consumers.  The IAC will also be addressing the topics of homeland security and public safety; impact of new and emerging technologies; provision of telecommunications services in rural and underserved areas, broadband deployment, access by persons with disabilities and consumer education and outreach generally.  The IAC’s mission is to “advise the Commission on a range of telecommunications issues for which their governments [local, state, and tribal] explicitly or inherently share responsibility or administration with the Commission. 

[Source:  FCC]

 

Talking Books For the Blind Get A Digital Makeover

 

6.12.2007 – The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a letter addressed to the Honorable James H. Billington, Librarian of Congress, regarding the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) free national talking book program’s plans for an updated digitally based talking book system.  NLS analyzed three alternatives for the system-CD, hard drive, and flash based media, and chose to award a contract based on flash memory media and expects to award the manufacturing contract in August of 2007.  The GAO, however, asserts that the NLS focused too narrowly on the technology medium and the player and did not consider alternative technologies and distribution mechanisms such as Internet delivery via broadband as applicable to the program in its entirety, including its underlying processes.  The GAO also cites the NLS for not providing supporting documentation for technical conclusions regarding the pros and cons for each alternative.  To ensure that the NLS selects a solution that is both cost efficient and high quality , the GAO recommended the Director of NLS to develop and document analyses of alternatives, including technologies and distribution options before continuing further work on the talking book modernization project.  In response to the GAO’s study and subsequent letter , the NLS concurs with all of the GAO’s recommendations and are carrying out reforms. 

[Source:  GAO]

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Reports / Studies / Publications

The Case for a National Broadband Policy

 6.15.2007 – As of late, many articles appear discussing the United State’s low ranking in broadband deployment and adoption, 15th among 30 in OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) nations in subscribers per capita.  The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation released a report, The Case for a National Broadband Policy, that first analyzes the United State’s ranking in broadband adoption and then asserts proactive public policy support of broadband telecommunications as the remedy for the United States’ declining rank.  Robert Atkinson, PhD, Alliance for Public Technology Policy Chair and Executive Director of ITIF, contends that the market alone will not promote universal access to broadband because of two reasons, 1) broadband technology is not merely a consumer technology but a “prosumer” technology, meaning that users of this technology are producers that contribute to the economy via their broadband use and 2) “positive network externalities” where society as a whole is a beneficiary of broadband adoption as opposed to the benefit going only to individual consumers.  As more and more aspects of daily life are becoming on-line processes, issues of equity to opportunity become apparent in broadband access and the argument for government intervention on behalf of citizens being excluded from participation is made in this report, as well. 

[Source:  The Information and Technology Innovation Foundation]

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Other Activities and Items of Interest

i-CREATe2008 Call for Papers, Special Sessions & Workshops

 

6.26.2007 - i-CREATe2008 2nd International Convention on Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology will take place May 13-15, 2008 in Bangkok, Thailand.  Paper submissions and proposals are due October 31, 2007.  The conference will address current and future developments in rehabilitation engineering and assistive technology; topic areas include: universal design, user interfaces, environment control technology, product development, political issues related to disability and the aging population, and more. 

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RERC Updates

Bruce Walker Receives Helping Hands Service Award

 

In recognition of his research and efforts on behalf of persons with visual impairments, Dr. Bruce Walker has been awarded the Helping Hands Service Award from the Atlanta Center for the Visually Impaired (CVI).  Awarded annually by the Board of Directors at CVI, Bruce received the award on May 15, 2007.

 

RERC at RESNA

 

RERC researcher James L. Mueller, MA, project director for the User Needs Assessment and Molly Follette Story, MS, Co-Director of the RERC on Accessible Medical Instrumentation  presented “Listening to the Voice of the Customer:  How to Involve People with Disabilities in User Research and Development.”  The workshop examined researcher’s experiences to enable others to more effectively integrate user input into their research and development projects.

Testing Begins on the Wireless Emergency Communications (WEC) Project

 

The WEC has begun internally testing the server side solution to sending accessible emergency alerts to people with disabilities.  A server housed at the Interactive Media Technology Center (IMTC) monitors common alerting protocol (CAP) messages from the National Weather Service and sends them to subscribers based on the zip code they designated upon enrollment in the service.  For inquiries regarding participating in future field tests please contact Salimah Major.

Upcoming Events

17th Biennial International TDI Conference

 

Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. (TDI) announces the 17th Biennial International TDI Conference to be held at the Marriott San Mateo, California on August 23-25, 2007.  Shaping an Accessible World has been the theme for TDI conferences and work over the past 40 years.  New this year will be special workshops for consumers, providing a unique opportunity to interact with professionals and share their ideas of an accessible world.  TDI is making every effort to develop a program that not only meets the need of professionals working in deafness-related telecommunications and media fields, but also to address specific and common needs and issues that impact consumers who are deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened and deaf-blind.  Based on the call for papers one can expect presentation topics to include emergency alerting services and devices, handheld wireless devices, Video Relay Services, VoIP technologies, captioning during the transition to digital television, instant messaging, impact of wireless on funding mechanisms and much more. 

 

2007 Life Without Limits Gala

 

The United Cerebral Palsy presents the 2007 Life Without Limits Gala Celebrating a New Vision for the Future to be held in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, October 4, 2007.  United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is a pivotal advocate for the rights of persons with any disability, is the leading source of information on cerebral palsy, and – through a network of more than 100 affiliates-provides direct services to more than 170,000 people a day.  As one of the largest health charities in America, the UCP mission is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities.

 

Access Board Town Meeting

 

On July 24, 2007 the U.S. Access Board will hold a town meeting and public hearing in Denver, Colorado.  The town meeting will provide a forum for the public to advise the Board on accessibility and issues of concern pertaining to the built environment, transportation, communication, and information technology.  For further information contact Kathy Johnson, 202.272.0041(v), or 202.272.0082 (TTY).

 National Council on Disability (NCD) Quarterly Meeting

 

NCD is hosting the Summer quarter meeting in Chicago on July 24-26, 2007.  The 3-day event is free and open to the public.  Each day, time will be allotted for public comment.  For more information contact Mark S. Quigley, 202-272-2004 (v), 202-272-2074 (TTY).

 

North American Spinal Cord Injury Conference and Disability Expo

 

In conjunction with its annual North American Spinal Cord Injury Conference and Disability Expo (NASCICDE), August 27-29, 2007 in Orlando, Florida, United Spinal Associations is hosting an exclusive new forum addressing the specific needs and concerns of all individuals with disabilities.  Creating Your Future:  Living with a Disability is a two-day consumer conference and expo taking place at NASCICDE.  Conference participants will have their pick of 18 informative sessions such as “Assistive Technology Meets the Computer.”  Expo goers will have over 100 nationally-known vendors showcasing the latest products and services for people with disabilities; hands-on-experience with state-of-the-art assistive technology; the latest accessibility gear and more.  Admission is free with pre-registration.

 

Wireless & Mobile Expo & Conference

 

The 2007 Wireless & Mobile Expo & Conference, will take place on July 17-18, 2007 in Toronto, Canada.  Being the leading annual global event for wireless and mobile solutions, the conference attracts key decision-makers to learn and purchase the latest products and solutions, offered by innovative technology vendors and service providers. The 2007 Wireless & Mobile Expo & Conference will focus on many areas, including Enterprise Wireless Networking, Wi-Fi, RFID, WLAN, WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider), Wireless Broadband, WiMax, VoIP, Mobile Computing, Wireless Security and much more. 

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