Blind or Low-Vision

 This paper chronicles the Wireless RERC’s user research efforts from 2001-2011 and offers lessons learned through these efforts.  The authors hope that this model will be of value to other research organizations for including people with disabilities in development of technologies that are truly assistive and supportive. 

During December and January, legislative and regulatory activity at the intersection of disability and technology access addressed several topics, including broadband access, hearing aid compatibility, employment, emergency communications, IT standards, and community integration.  Regarding the latter, Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) introduced the Disability Integration Act of 2015 [S.2427...

In February, the Research Excellence and Advancements for Dyslexia Act (READ Act) became Public Law No:  114-124, establishing a Research in Disabilities Education program to work towards expanding interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for students with dyslexia or other disabilities. More now than ever, access to broadband services is integral to academic, and eventually, career achievements for people with and without disabilities alike. In an...

We are pleased to announce that we have received funding from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) to continue our work in advancing access to wireless technologies. The Wireless RERC will conduct research and development on wireless devices and technologies for a transformative future where individuals with disabilities achieve improved quality of life and enhanced community inclusion. The award is the fourth consecutive five-year...

In November, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules concerning emergency alert improvements were published in the Federal Register, re/starting the compliance clock countdown. In response to a joint petition filed by advocacy organizations and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), the FCC adopted a Memorandum Opinion and Order [MB Docket No. 12-107] extending the compliance deadline to November 22, 2017, for the provision of audio descriptions of...

In May, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) continued efforts to implement the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA). The FCC released and Order [10-210] extending the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP) until June 30, 2017. NDBEDP, established by the CVAA in 2010 and implemented by the FCC in 2012, is currently a pilot program that provides up to $10 million annually to support...

In June, The Federal Communications Commission announced the six winners and three honorable mentions of their Fifth Annual Awards for Advancement in Accessibility, also known as, the Chairman’s AAA. The awards are meant to recognize and honor innovative achievements in communications technology benefiting people with disabilities. This year, the awards were presented at the M-Enabling Summit at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. Among the winners were...

July 2016 marked the 26^th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). While progress has been made in inclusive and equitable access to social and civic life, encumbrances still remain.  In a Presidential Proclamation, President Barack Obama addressed the musts, or imperatives of access and inclusion:...

In September the White House hosted the Designing for All Showcase, a celebration that recognized the work and expertise of companies, designers, and engineers making strides in inclusive design, assistive technology, and prosthetics. At the event, many new technologies were announced, as well as government programs facilitating the inclusion of people with disabilities to engage in all aspects of society including school, employment, and recreation. 

The Federal...