Reports

Mobile Phone Accessibility Review

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has a statutory obligation to evaluate the impact of their regulations that implement the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA). Every two-years the FCC submits a report to Congress on the state of industry compliance with the CVAA. In anticipation of the FCC’s call for stakeholder input to inform their 2018 CVAA Biennial Report, the Wireless RERC conducted a 2017 Mobile Phone Accessibility...

Research Brief: Accessibility, Usability, and Social and Cultural Acceptance of Next-Generation Wireless Devices

A new research brief by CACP researchers Nathan W. Moon, Paul M.A. Baker, and Kenneth Goughnour, summarizes findings from focus groups which explored accessibility, social appropriateness, and cultural acceptability issues of wireless technology related use among individuals with disabilities. The research was conducted for the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Wireless Inclusive Technologies (Wireless RERC). A total of 41 individuals with disabilities who use smartphones,...

Paper Brief: Save Lives, Withstand Catastrophe, and Stimulate the Marketplace

This paper brief describes approaches that could encourage the use of FM Radio (specifically the FM chip) via mobile devices as an emergency information source. The intent is to supply unbiased considerations to help ensure that individuals with disabilities and other populations disproportionately impacted by disasters have alternative and accessible means to receive emergency information when cell coverage is disrupted, and access to power is limited.

FM Radio and RBDS-Based Emergency Alerting - Volume 2018, 02 – February 2018

U.S. Federal agencies are responsible for governing emergency communications systems capable of effectively and expeditiously notifying the public. There are several approaches to communicate with the public, but they are limited to cellular networks and cable systems. These limitations are susceptible to damaged cell towers and power outages which can leave people without a means of attaining information in the wake of and during a disaster event. Opening other channels of communication,...

Accessibility, Usability, and the Design of Wearables and Wirelessly Connected Devices (Brief #17-01)

Researchers at the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for Wireless Inclusive Technologies (Wireless RERC) have conducted a review of representative applications and examples of currently available wearable and connected technologies. Drawing on the findings, the research brief explores the potential impact of inclusive design principles on future device development for users with disabilities – a critical approach to ensuring that these

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Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) Access on Android Phones (OS version 8.0.0)

This document provides step-by-step instructions for locating and customizing settings for WEA access on Android phones' latest OS version 8.0.0. Additionally, it explains how to activate Android accessibility features such as screen reader and screen magnification for people who are blind or have low vision and pulse notification and captions for people who are deaf/hard of hearing....

Need to Know Information about Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)

This document provides need to know information about WEA. It explains what a WEA is, who WEA providers are, your rights regarding WEA and what you should do to access WEA. Remember, WEA messages can save lives. Do not ignore them!

Common Misconceptions Regarding People who are Deaf & Rely on American Sign Language

This document provides common misconceptions regarding people who are Deaf and rely on American Sign Language (ASL) and their access to emergency information.

UPDATED 2017: 12 Considerations for Accessible Emergency Communications

March 2017 –  This document features twelve considerations for accessible emergency communications to help guide emergency communications planning for people with disabilities and those with access and functional needs. Also provided is a list of websites and resources with specific information concerning technology, policy, training and education.  ...

Apps for Enhancing Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) Access

This document provides a description of some apps that can be used to enhance WEA access. It explains different apps, their features and where you can locate them to better understand WEA messages and aid in responding to WEA the messages appropriately. Provided are links to more information for each app.

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Disclaimer

The contents of this website were developed under a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90RE5025-01-00). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this website do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.