Technology and Disability Highlights - August 2017

August marks the annual Congressional recess, but work continued at regulatory agencies.  The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), for example, released a Notice of Inquiry in the Matter of Inquiry Concerning Deployment of Advanced Telecommunications Capability to All Americans in a Reasonable and Timely Fashion [GN Docket No. 17-199] requesting stakeholder input on a number of issues, not the least of which are considerations on how to evaluate and include mobile services and demographic characteristics of unserved areas in the Inquiry.  The latter can assist in identifying and quantifying underserved populations whether in urban, suburban or rural communities. Initial comments are due on September 7, 2017, and reply comments on September 22, 2017.  The FCC is also preparing for a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS), scheduled to occur on September 27, 2017, at 2:20 P.M. EDT. The EAS test is used to assess the reliability of the national emergency communications system in the event of a disaster. Apropos, the test takes place during National Preparedness Month. This year’s theme is “Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can.” Now is a great time to prepare your home, school, and workplace to help limit your personal risk during an emergency. Use the wealth of information on www.ready.gov to help you get and stay ready. Finally, the FCC has a call out to all innovators, seeking participation in the Accessibility Innovations Expo to be held on Monday, October 23, 2017. The deadline for exhibitor applications is September 8, 2017. The Public Notice requesting exhibitors can be found at https://www.fcc.gov/document/fccs-seeks-exhibitors-2017-accessibility-expo.