Wireless Inclusive RERC| Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta, GA - Legislative

Proceedings of the Wireless RERC 2021 State of Technology Forum

Mz22 — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 18:44:16 +0000

Publication Type:

The Wireless RERC convened the Virtual State of Technology (SoT) Forum 2020One on March 23-24, 2021. The 2021 virtual SoT was a focused, robust event, with a lively, informed, and diverse group of attendees representing the research community, people with disabilities, industry, technologists, advocates, policymakers, and disability service providers who explored the state of, and emerging trends in, inclusive wireless technologies and applications.

The Forum Proceedings is an interactive document with papers, presentations, videos, and bios from the two-day event. Further, it opens with a summation of the event and closes with a chapter on key activities to pursue to ensure inclusion is always at the forefront of wireless technology, design, development, and deployment.

Date of Publication:

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act For Broadband

dbright7@gatech.edu — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 16:01:31 +0000

January 19, 2021– At the end of December 2020, to augment the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (H.R. 133), the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) creates numerous broadband-related programs. The broadband provisions account for a significant portion of the Appropriations Act. Some of the initiatives in the Act include:

Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Grants (NTIA): $300 million allocated for broadband programs in eligible service areas by “covered partnerships” such as a state or a political subdivision.
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Grants (NTIA): $1 billion apportioned for broadband infrastructure deployment, affordability, and broadband initiatives on Tribal lands.
Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (FCC): $3.2 billion for reimbursing eligible households for broadband services and a subsidy for associated equipment.
Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program (NTIA):$285 million for grants to minority institutions and organizations to support broadband expansion.
COVID-19 Telehealth Program (FCC): $250 million in additional funding to support the existing FCC Telehealth program.
Amendments to Secure and Trusted Networks Reimbursement Program: $1.9 billion to fund, remove, and replace communications equipment [Source: Casey Lide and Jason Chun via Keller and Heckman LLP].

Additional Information:
https://www.khlaw.com/Overview-of-Broadband-Funding-Opportunities-in-the-COVID-19-Relief-Act?utm_source=sendgrid&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletters

Date of Publication:

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Real Emergency Access for Aging & Disability Inclusion (REAADI) for Disasters

Mz22 — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 18:34:47 +0000

June 2019 – The collaboration of twenty-eight associations, the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), composed letters to the House and Senate in support of the Real Emergency Access for Aging and Disability Inclusion (REAADI) for Disasters Act. Thus far, this extensive support has resulted in the bill being introduced by U.S. Representatives Langevin and Casey in the House and Senate [S. 1755 and HR. 3208). The REAADI Act developed several processes to promote well-designed emergency preparedness, disaster response and recovery system to ensure the safety, rights, and dignity of people with disabilities. This Act would establish a National Commission on Disability Rights and Disasters to study the needs of individuals with disabilities, create a network of centers focused on training and technical assistance, direct the Department of Justice to review the spending of disaster funds, and create a grant program for increased inclusion strategies with people with disabilities. The implementation of the REAADI Act hopes to ensure that older people and people with disabilities are not disproportionately affected by the disaster [Source: ANCOR and REAADI for Disasters Act].

ANCOR Joins Letters of Support for Disability-Specific Disaster Relief Legislation

REAADI Act One-Pager

Date of Publication:

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Technology and Disability Policy Highlight’s Top 25 Topics of 2018

Mz22 — Thu, 07 Mar 2019 15:48:45 +0000

This past year’s hot topics included the increased development of wireless technologies and next-generation connected devices, continued expansion in disability-focused research, emergency communications access, and improved access to assistive devices and public spaces. The top five words by frequency in the 2017 and 2018 TDPH’s were similar, varying only slightly. In descending order, the top five most cited words for 2018 were: emergency, services, research, communications, and inclusive. The topic that experienced the greatest shift from 2017 to 2018 was research, shifting from 19th in 2017 to 2nd in 2018. 2018 had a greater frequency over 2017 on the topics of legislation, research, and services/technologies, and innovation. Also, noteworthy, the word information was our 3rd most cited word in 2017 and did not even reach the top 50 2018 list, indicating a shift in focus from digital content to digital devices/services.

This year’s influx of research regarding best policy and practices demonstrated progression towards an inclusive global environment, and legislative and regulatory activities were responsive to many of the advances in technology. This year was also full of exciting celebrations as we acknowledged the 28^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the 50^th anniversary of the universal symbol of disability, the 40^th anniversary of NIDILRR, and International Persons with Disability Day. These monumental occasions were peppered with countless celebratory, awareness, and capacity building activities.

Throughout 2018, the FCC sought stakeholder input on regulatory, technical and consumer issues related to accessibility in broadcasting, the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) Biennial report, and emergency communications. Regarding the latter, the FCC released a report, Refresh the Record on Facilitating Multimedia Content in Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), that supported the inclusion of multimedia content in WEA messages. Later in the year, the FCC approved FEMA’s request for a waiver allowing them to conduct the first nationwide test of WEA in September of 2018. The Wireless RERC asked personnel and partners to observe the test and to describe their experiences. Commonly reported issues with the WEA test included: accessibility, inconsistencies based on carrier and or device, and the message format.

The FCC also ruled on “next generation” broadcast television standards. In the Authorizing Permissive Use to the “Next Generation” Broadcast Television Standard Report and Order, the next-generation transmission standards became effective in March 2018. In the spring of this past year, the FCC released a proceeding, In the Matter of Misuse of Internet Protocol (IP) Captioned Telephone Service (CTS); Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, that allowed for the use of automated speech-to-text technologies for the provision of captions on IP-CTS. The FCC also adopted a Report and Order, In the Matter of Revisions to Reporting Requirements Governing Hearing Aid-Compatible Mobile Handsets and required that the service providers should offer hearing-aid compatible devices, a rating of these devices, and an explanation of the rating system. The FCC published many other rulings and revised regulations including improving wireless resiliency in the wake of a disaster.

In the legislative realm, there was constant discussion and votes on several bills. The American Bar Association’s (ABA) House of Delegates brought forth House Resolution 116C that expanded Title II and Title III of the ADA to include in its interpretation of public accommodations, digital “places,” devices and applications. It was unanimously approved. Earlier in the year, Senator Casey [D-PA] introduced the Office of Disability Policy Act of 2018 [S. 3261] to establish the Office of Disability Policy in the legislative branch. The bill was assigned to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs for further review. The House also passed The Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018, [H.R. 302], now Public Law 115-254, which improves air travel for consumers with a disability by correcting access barriers. Congress also debated and addressed autonomous vehicles legislation and bias in artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, the states’ assistive technology programs expanded last year with some states incorporating smart technologies such as smart home devices and robotic telepresence among their offerings.

This past year was also imbued with technological advances from different startups, major technological companies, and scientists. Some of these developments include Mapp4All, Right Hear, Hopkins PD App, AlterEgo, Social Robots, TalkBack, “Smart” prosthetics, and advanced assistive garments such as gloves, glasses, and pants. These developments, some on the market and others still in the creation phase, show great promise for improving access and inclusion of individuals with disabilities.

2018 at the Wireless RERC was eventful! We hosted a workshop, attended and presented at conferences, and engaged with industry stakeholders, academics, practitioners, and service organizations to discuss prevalent issues in the arena of technology for persons with disabilities. Wireless RERC researchers submitted comments to the FCC discussing the accessibility of mobile phones and other emerging technologies and followed with a Mobile Phone Accessibility Report to support the initial response. We also produced reports ranging from workforce participation of people with disabilities to the usability of next-generation wireless devices. Equally as active in technology and disability-related projects and product development were Georgia Tech faculty who were also cited frequently in hearings. The Wireless RERC is proud of the progressive research conducted at the Center for Advanced Communications Policy and will continue to advance accessibility towards the social inclusion of people with disabilities.

Date of Publication:

Thursday, March 7, 2019

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Education and Reform Act of 2017

Mz22 — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 20:07:38 +0000

February 2018 - Introduced to the House of Representatives in January 2017, the ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017 [H.R.620] was passed by a vote of 225-192. On February 26, 2018, it was received by the Senate. H.R. 620 proposes to require a person or persons with a disability alleging ADA violations first to notify the entity in writing, allowing them the opportunity to remedy alleged ADA violations. Likewise, the business entity must respond in writing with details on how they intend to address the identified barrier to access. These steps are intended to precede and potentially prevent the need to file a complaint with Department of Justice (DoJ) or to pursue a private civil lawsuit. The legislation directs the Judicial Conference of the United States to create a program that encourages this “alternative dispute resolution” with mechanisms in place that shepherd involved parties through the process. Additionally, the bill proposes that the DoJ, property owners, and people with disabilities “develop a program to educate State and local governments and property owners on strategies for promoting access to public accommodations for a person with a disability.” There are proponents and detractors to H.R. 620. Proponents assert that the legislation will decrease abuse of the ADA by attorneys filing frivolous lawsuits. Among those who disparage the legislation is Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). She stated, “This offensive legislation would undermine civil rights in our nation and reward businesses that fail to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Passing it would send a disgraceful message to Americans with disabilities: their civil rights are not worthy of strong enforcement and they can, once again, be treated like second-class citizens.” [Sources: Library of Congress; Patrick Sisson, Curbed; Carlos Ballesteros, Newsweek]

ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017 [H.R. 620]

Sen. Duckworth: ‘Offensive’ law would weaken landmark ADA

House Votes to Gut the Americans With Disabilities Act to Nip 'Abusive Lawsuits'

Technology and Disability Policy Highlights 2017 Top 25 Topics

Mz22 — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 15:34:40 +0000

Publication Type:

Reports

Technology and Disability Policy Highlights (TDPH) editors covered a wide range of disability access issues in 2017. The graphic word cloud depicts the twenty-five most used keywords in 2017. The top five words by frequency in the 2016 and 2017 TDPH’s were the same, varying only slightly in incidence and order. The topic that experienced the greatest shift from both years was “community,” shifting from 17th in 2016 to 36th in 2017. Compared to 2016, 2017 content featured more health, assistive technologies/services, American with Disabilities Act (ADA), design, government, and education subject matter.

The top five most cited words for 2017 were: disabilities, wireless, information, technology, and FCC (Federal Communications Commission). Under the “disabilities” keyword, the most covered disability type was vision, followed by deaf, mobility, and cognitive. A sampling of the disability-type-specific coverage included WayBand, a running assistant for users that are blind; smart glasses as an object and print-reading technology for people that are blind; telecommunications relay services; American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted emergency messages; Ava App, that facilitates group discussions for people who are Deaf or hearing impaired; and statistics on smartphone use by adults with physical, sensory and cognitive disabilities.

Improvements in sensor and wearable technology and internet communication this past year are rapidly accelerating the pace of research, development, and deployment. Content covered under the wireless, information, technology, and FCC topics reflect these advancements, covering artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), the internet of things (IoT), 3D printing, robotics, wearables, emergency communications access, and autonomous vehicles. In 2017, Nucleus 7, the first cochlear implant, fully with the iPhone, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. A Google Glass app was created to work as a communication assistant for children on the autism spectrum. Sign-To-Text, a prototype Smart Sign Glove, is advancing the goal of bridging the communication gap between people who primarily communicate using ASL and people that use spoken languages. Also, 3D printed models were used as educational aids for students with cognitive and vision disabilities.

Augmented reality and virtual reality technology continue to advance at a prodigious rate, with new technologies allowing for great increases in resolution, computational power, and portability. Relúmĭno, launched in 2017, is a Samsung Gear VR app that pairs the headset with the user’s smartphone cameras to make images more accessible through magnification, color contrast adjustment, outlining objects, and screen filtering. Microsoft’s second HoloLens featured a built-in AI co-processor to make mixed-reality smarter. Apple announced its new augmented reality platform, ARKit, a free programming framework that lets developers and consumers create their own augmented reality applications. 2017 also saw virtual reality used in immersive digital therapy to reduce phantom pain in people with spinal cord Injuries.

Artificial intelligence boomed last year like few other areas in tech, with big tech companies like Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Facebook having poured tons of money into the AI field. Labs and universities published papers at a higher volume in 2017. Companion robots that science fiction had promised finally hit the U.S. Leading the way was robot assistants, like Mayfield Robotics’ Kuri. Kuri is a companion robot that can offer users a variety of personalized reminders and communication options, such as home security surveillance and a virtual assistant for various tasks through a small, human-centered form factor and interface.

The legislative and regulatory activities were responsive to many of these advances in technology. Throughout 2017, the FCC sought stakeholder input on regulatory, technical, and consumer issues related to the fusion of broadband and health care delivery, access to 9-1-1, enhancing emergency alerts, hearing aid compatibility of wireless devices, and of course, their decision to partially repeal the 2015 Open Internet Order, reclassifying Internet once again as an information service. In the legislative arena, there was movement on autonomous vehicles legislation, and many states and organizations have emphasized the technology's potential to improve independent transportation access for people with disabilities and older adults.

Federal agencies advanced the modernization of digital policy and infrastructure in 2017, including changes to regulations affecting the delivery and specificity of alerts in crisis situations, and promotion of digital inclusion of minority, rural and disability populations. These included transitions from legacy text telephone communications (TTY) to Real-Time Text (RTT), new guidelines for emergency alert systems, and mobile coverage across rural America. One challenge the FCC addressed was the granularity at which emergency alerts could be targeted geographically. New regulations focused the precision with which emergency alerts must be transmitted. 2017 also marked the 27th anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). The FCC and the Department of Justice (DOJ) released information on how they are guiding policy and enforcing laws to advance a more inclusive society, further outlining agencies’ roles in complying with the ADA and outlining FCC initiatives that advance information and communications access by people with disabilities. Moreover, at long last the Section 508 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Standards and Guidelines (ICT-Refresh) were published in the Federal Register, starting the compliance clock for the federal agencies to make their electronic and information technologies and services accessible to people with disabilities.

2017 was a seminal year for accessible technology and policy, with many technologies introduced and refined, in addition to major policy changes that will deeply influence how we communicate and access information digitally moving forward. These technologies will undoubtedly have large effects on the technological landscape of 2018 and onwards. No matter the shifting landscape, the Wireless RERC will continue to analyze and present the policy implications of an increasingly connected world, and describe technologies’ effect on our daily lives. Increasingly, smart devices can sense, collect, store, and often act upon, or induce user actions based on data received and displayed, bridging physical and digital environments and allowing for innovative approaches to health promotion, community integration, and independent living. With the massive data exchanged via Internet-connected devices and their rapidly growing popularity, 2018 should continue the trend of national debate of the consideration of the health and social implications of this research. The Wireless RERC will continue our work in examining how people with disabilities, and by extension society, can benefit from technology in 2018 and onwards.

We would like to thank our community of readers from across the U.S. and around the world. The TDPH reaches 882 subscribers directly via email and extends to a much larger audience through social media. We engage over 890 members in our LinkedIn Group (ATPG), 1124 followers on Twitter (@CACPGT_wRERC), and 337 fans on Facebook (WirelessRERC). If you have not already, please join us on social media. None of this would be possible without you, our readers. You may receive this newsletter directly as a monthly digest, or as-it-happens updates on social media. Either way, we appreciate your being a part of our network. As always…thanks for reading and sharing!

IBM’s Director of Accessibility Research Contemplates Technological Equality and the ADA

kgoughnour3 — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 15:39:45 +0000

This week marked the 27th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and IBM did not let the occasion pass by without commenting on the importance of technology in advancing social equity. With the approval of Section 508’s Amendment of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act of 1973, IBM published an accessibility checklist for creating inclusive technologies and reported that they are the first major U.S. company to embrace the revised 508 standards with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0.

Director of Accessibility Research at IBM, Dr. Ruoyi Zhou mused, “it is important to reflect upon the evolving role technology plays in creating a more inclusive workplace and society. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come, but also how much work is left to do. We must continue pushing technology to eliminate barriers so everyone can achieve their full potential at work and through life.”

Dr. Zhou’s blog post is a timely reminder on the importance of global inclusion and making technology accessible for all. Source: Ruoyi Zhou, PhD, IBM Think Blog.

Committed to Technology Equality for People with Disabilities

NEXT WEEK: #DCCP HEARING - “Disrupter Series: Update on IOT Opportunities and Challenges”

Mz22 — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 20:04:11 +0000

The Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection Subcommittee of the Committee on Energy and Commerce will hold a hearing on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, entitled, “Disrupter Series: Update on IOT Opportunities and Challenges.”. The discussion will focus on the benefits and challenges of the latest technology such as the Internet of Things (IoT). Members of the Committee will learn more about how smart devices are being utilized by consumers and businesses. They will also garner more information about challenges society has to address regarding this technology such as security and privacy. Start time for the meeting is 10:30 AM and the Committee is chaired by Rep. Bob Latta from Ohio. Chairman Latta comments,

“The Internet of Things has been a monumental innovation for the economy – changing how companies conduct business operations and how consumers go about their day to day lives,”... “Integrating connected devices has helped a myriad of industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and retail to share data in real time so they can increase efficiency and improve customer service….Next week also allows for us to check in and ensure that industry is focusing on critical issues like cybersecurity.”

For more information about this hearing including the witness list, select the link below.
https://energycommerce.house.gov/news-center/press-releases/next-week-dccp-explores-how-internet-things-creates-innovates-and

Webinar: Clear & Effective Emergency Communications over Wireless Devices

Mz22 — Thu, 04 May 2017 13:19:41 +0000

Publication Type:

Presentations

Wireless RERC researchers, Salimah LaForce and Ben Lippincott, and consultant, Kay Chiodo (Deaf Link), will present at the Pacific ADA Center and the ADA National Network Learning Session on May 11, 2017, from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm EST. The Emergency Preparedness webinar series focuses on key strategies and approaches at various levels (federal, state, and local) toward emergency management and preparedness and the inclusion of people with disabilities. Register here to attend this webinar. Following is a description and learning objectives.

During an emergency, alert and warning officials need to provide the public with life-saving emergency messages that inform those in the impacted area and compel them to take protective actions. Emergency information is not always presented in formats accessible to people with different levels of sensory, cognitive and physical disabilities. Likewise, the devices on which they receive emergency information are not always optimized for use with emergency information tools such as WEA, subscription-based alerting systems, or local and state apps (e.g. Ready Georgia). This webinar will address composing message content and delivery format features that can enhance the accessibility of the information to people with disabilities. We will also cover smartphone features that can improve the accessibility of emergency messages. The webinar will close with a description and demonstration of an accessible system, Deaf Link's Accessible Hazard Alert System (AHAS).

Learning objectives:

Learn about the use of wireless emergency communications tools by people with disabilities, as well as their expressed needs and preferences.
Understand the emergency message content tips that improve accessibility, trust, and reliability of emergency information.
Understand the "How-to's" for subscribing and enabling accessible emergency alerts on Android and iOS devices for people with disabilities.
Understand the recommendations for trustworthy apps, internet resources, and social media feeds related to accessible emergency alerts
Expanded understanding of how to effectively alert members of the Deaf community.

Emergency Preparedness Webinar Registration

ADA National Network Learning Session: Clear & Effective Emergency Communications over Wireless Devices