Federal / Regulatory

In October, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to update Hearing Aid Compatibility Rules for wireline, wireless and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telecommunications equipment. Among other things, the proposed amendments address concerns and request stakeholder input on developing an industry standard for wireline handsets and their volume controls, and extending volume control standards to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) equipment and wireless handsets. ...

In September, there was a lot of activity to gear up for National Disability Employment Awareness Month. To kick off this year’s Disability Employment Awareness Month, on September 30, 2015, President Obama issued a Presidential Proclamation marking October 2015 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.  The President called for the nation to promote inclusion in the workplace by tearing down barriers for Americans with disabilities to acquire the stable jobs they deserve....

In August, The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the development of a communications platform to establish interoperability standards for all two-way video communications providers. An FCC news release regarding the platform indicated that it will enable people who are deaf, hard of hearing and deaf-blind to converse with businesses and government agencies using American Sign Language (ASL).  The beta version will be available in late 2015, and final version, in spring...

his Spring 2015, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) addressed accessibility in a variety of ways.  In March, service providers and equipment manufacturers were reminded by the FCC that they are required to maintain records of their efforts to provide accessible services and equipment to individuals with disabilities, in accordance with the Communications Act. Recordkeeping enables the FCC to evaluate the impact of their...

This June, the Broadband Adoption Act of 2015 [S. 1472] was introduced with the goal of reforming and modernizing the Universal Service Fund (USF) Lifeline Assistance Program. If passed, the legislation would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) to 1) establish a national database to determine consumer eligibility for Lifeline and to prevent duplication, and (2...

In February, the federal government displayed their commitment to increasing the number of people with disabilities in the American workforce by hosting the White House Summit on Disability and Employment. The Summit offered attendees information and resources to help implement this initiative and was timed with the release of the Resource Guide for Employers on Recruiting, Hiring, Retaining, and Promoting People with Disabilities, a document designed to help identify relevant...

In January, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules implementing provisions of the Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA) became effective and enforceable.  Specifically the rulemaking addressed, (1) rules requiring digital apparatus to make appropriate built-in functions (i.e., if used for the reception...

In November and December the global disability community was addressed at home and abroad by   commemorating the 2014 International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2014 and a “High-level Meeting” during Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) week, discussing equal access and inclusive development for people with disabilities.  Special Advisor for International Disability Rights at the U.S. Department of State, Judith E. Heumann, focused...

In September there was legislative activity in the area of disability access, but the legislation was not specific to advanced technology access so the details are not reported in this newsletter.  Nevertheless, such legislative advances address important issues and should not go unmentioned.  The three Bills introduced by Senator Tom Harkins as part of his “Access for All” agenda for individuals with disabilities include: the Exercise and Fitness for All Act [...

In September there was legislative activity in the area of disability access, but the legislation was not specific to advanced technology access so the details are not reported in this newsletter.  Nevertheless, such legislative advances address important issues and should not go unmentioned.  The three Bills introduced by Senator Tom Harkins as part of his “Access for All” agenda for individuals with disabilities include: the Exercise and Fitness for All Act [...