Policy and Outreach Initiatives (DS1)

This document provides need to know information about WEA. It explains what a WEA is, who WEA providers are, your rights regarding WEA and what you should do to access WEA. Remember, WEA messages can save lives. Do not ignore them!

This document provides common misconceptions regarding people who are Deaf and rely on American Sign Language (ASL) and their access to emergency information.

Thursday, March 2, 2017 - 4:20 PM PST - Wireless RERC researcher, John Morris, gave an update on data collected from the Wireless RERC's Survey of User Needs (SUN).  His presentation provides an analysis of the impact of demographic variables and disability type on smartphone use by adults with physical, sensory and cognitive disabilities based on 2015-2016 national survey.

Thursday, March 2, 2017 - 9:00 AM PST - Wireless RERC researcher, Salimah LaForce, presented Strategies to Effect Policy Change at the 32nd CSUN Assistive Technology Conference.  Through the lens of Wireless RERC policy activities, her presentation outlined how to identify and develop policy assessments or appropriate policy responses to federal rulemakings.

This document provides a description of some apps that can be used to enhance WEA access. It explains different apps, their features and where you can locate them to better understand WEA messages and aid in responding to WEA the messages appropriately. Provided are links to more information for each app.

This is a PDF of the Wireless RERC's 01/25/2017 Re:Wireless Newsletter for consumers.  If you have trouble accessing the file or need it in an alternate accessible format, please contact Ben Lippincott at 678-9929309 or ben@imtc.gatech.edu.

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...