January 2013 Technology and Disability Policy Highlights

In January the Federal Communications Commission (FCC ) focused on the development and implementation of 911 Emergency Services with the fourth annual report submitted to Congress entitled: On State Collection and Distribution of 911 and Enhanced 911 Fees and Charges. The Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission also extended the Emergency Access Advisory Committee (EAAC) charter by six months until June 14, 2013. The next meeting of the EAAC will be held on March 1, 2013 in Washington, D.C.

The Assistant Secretary for Special Education Rehabilitative Services proposed two priorities under the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) and Centers from Programs administered by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). The first priority   recommends a DRRP on the development of inclusive Cloud and Web computing infrastructure that incorporates specific accessibility features and allows individuals with disabilities to easily operate, interact with, and understand the software and the second priority proposes a DRRP to function as the Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer (Center).

In addition, the Office of Management and Budget released a strategic plan for improving the management and implementation of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 across all federal agencies. The plan addresses the need for an increase in transparency and access to government information, data, and electronic and information technology (EIT) for all individuals, including those with disabilities.