Policy and Outreach Initiatives (DS1)

In April, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to make 1,200 megahertz of spectrum in the 6 GHz band available for unlicensed use to help the deployment of WiFi 6. According to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, the agency suggests the use of the 6 GHz band for low-power devices like "accessibility technology for Americans with disabilities, virtual reality gaming, augmented reality glasses, in-vehicle systems, and other emerging technologies." However, while some actively await...

Bennet, D, LaForce, S, Touzet, C, Choido, K (2018). American Sign Language & Emergency Alerts: The Relationship between Language, Disability, and Accessible Emergency Messaging. International Journal of Mass Emergencies and Disasters, 2018, 71-87.

Abstract: Emergency alert messages are not always completely accessible for people who are Deaf that rely on American Sign Language (ASL). ASL is a visual and conceptual...

With the pressing concerns of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), this issue covers many of the ways in which COVID-19 impacts the disability community. A departure from only reporting on wireless technology access activities, we include a range of COVID-19 resources and initiatives for people with disabilities. For example, the select provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act are outlined, focusing on funds directed towards ensuring services for...

In February, the Accessibility Recordkeeping Compliance Certification And Contact Information Reporting Requirements Public Notice [Docket DA 20-151] was published in the Federal Register, reminding service providers and equipment manufacturers of their accessibility recordkeeping requirements as per Sections 255, 716, or 718 of the Communications Act of 1934 (as amended).  These sections specify accessibility requirements for telecommunications services and...

The Wireless RERC conducted a 2017 Mobile Phone Accessibility Review (Accessibility Review).  Accessibility Review results revealed an accessibility divide in the mobile phone market based on disability type, provider type, and phone type that inhibit achieving access equity. These results were presented at the 2020 CSUN Assistive Technology Conference.

In December, the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act was signed into law [Public Law No: 116-105], a bipartisan legislative effort to reduce the excessive number of robocalls that Americans receive daily. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) now has additional tools and flexibilities to combat malicious caller ID spoofing, which will allow the FCC to pursue scammers. The law also extends the statute of...

This fall, the country celebrated National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) with hosted talks about best practices for employers on how to increase disability inclusion. Numerous organizations hosted events, awareness campaigns, and initiatives in support of NDEAM. Dell convened an "Accessibility Driving Innovation" panel, and Microsoft published videos and blog posts about their vision that accessibility and...

In September, National Preparedness Month was celebrated, and many took the opportunity to inform citizens of the importance of being prepared in the event of a local or national emergency. For example, ReadyDC’s campaign objective was to provide information that was both accessible and readily available. Their website contains information and resources on how to create emergency kits, communications plans, and how to remain informed about various types of emergencies. Also, the site...