Wireless RERC News

The purpose of this survey is to learn how young people (age 13-25) use wireless technology, and how this technology impacts their lives. The survey mainly focuses on cellphones, but also includes questions about other types of devices like tablet computers such as Apple's iPad, Amazon's Kindle Fire and other similar devices.

August 2013 - The Wireless RERC submitted reply comments to the FCC’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FPRM): In the Matter of Accessibility of User Interface, and Video Programming Guides and Menus [MB Docket No. 12-108]. The NPRM requested input on defining the scope of Sections 204 and 205 of the Twenty First Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA) which require user interfaces and navigation devices for video programming to be accessible to people with vision loss.

"Activ" Team Wins Silver in the 2013 UX Awards!

One of this year’s teams at Virginia Tech was awarded a Silver for “Best Accessibility Innovation” in the UX Awards 2013.  Winners were honored as part of NY Internet Week on May 21.  Now in its third year, the UX Awards are the first awards created specifically to celebrate exceptional design in digital user experience.   http://userexperienceawards.com/ux-awards-2013-winners/#activ

Wireless RERC input on accessible emergency information and text-to-911 was included in recent FCC rulemaking. The first, in the Report and Order (R&O) In the Matter of Accessible Emergency Information and Apparatus Requirements…Video Description…[MB Dockets No. 12-107 and 11-43], the Wireless RERC was cited and/or included in the body of the document 17 times, influencing final rules requiring the simultaneous provision of visual and audio emergency information conveyed during non-newscast programming.

In 2005, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) began implementing new rules to make cell phones "compatible" with hearing aids and cochlear implants. Cell phones that are compatible with hearing aids" produce minimal electromagnetic interference, which causes static when the phone is near the ear with the hearing aid.