Wireless RERC - TDPH Monthly Newsletter

Spring Issue: March - April 2016 Technology and Disability Policy Highlights

tiffany — Tue, 10 May 2016 14:29:10 +0000

This spring, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) moved the needle forward on several large communications issues that impact access by people with disabilities. In April, the FCC Order concerning the Lifeline and Linkup programs [WC Docket No.11-42] took a variety of actions to create an affordable Lifeline broadband program. The Order discusses the minimum service standards for Lifeline Services, asserting that functional Internet access is essential to allow consumers to fully participate in society. The FCC also approved a real-time text proposal to ensure that people with disabilities who rely on text messaging to communicate will have accessible and effective telephone access. In anticipation of the transition from legacy telephone technology like TTY, to new, IP-based solutions, AT&T submitted an update on the status of their real-time-text (“RTT”) development efforts.

In March, the FCC sought to expand the video description rules to ensure access of video described programming to people that are blind or have low vision. Video description is the addition of audio descriptions of key visual elements of onscreen action during pauses in dialogue. Among other things, the NPRM [16-37] proposes an increase in the amount of video described programming from 50 hours per calendar quarter to 87.5 hours.

In Wireless RERC news, On April 27, 2016, Salimah LaForce and Christina Touzet presented a poster titled, Emergency Alert System (EAS) vs. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), at the Disaster Response and Mitigation Forum. The research presented the background and results of research activities that examined the effectiveness of EAS and WEA to provide alerts to people with disabilities. Ed Price demonstrated the Wireless RERC's prototype of a WEA Video Platform that includes IPAWS approved symbology and presents the WEA message content as an American Sign Language (ASL) video. The Wireless RERC also hosted an Emergency Lifelines Workshop & Tabletop which included 44 individuals representing local, state, federal and academic leaders who play a role in emergency communications. This one day workshop heightened awareness about the need for accessible emergency communications and feasible approaches to ensure timely lifesaving information from the public safety officials is sent to people with disabilities.

The Wireless RERC, in partnership with AT&T Corporate Accessibility Technology Office are conducting workshops for people with disabilities, caregivers, and professionals on how to use accessibility features found on smartphones and tablets. There are seven upcoming workshops in Washington, D.C., Dallas, TX; Chicago, IL; Boston, MA; and Atlanta, GA. Wireless Independence Now! Workshops are free of charge, open to the public, and are not marketing or sales events.

Microsoft Word version of Technology and Disability Policy Highlights (TDPH) SPRING ISSUE - March - April 2016

November 2015 Technology and Disability Policy Highlights

tiffany — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 21:00:24 +0000

In November, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) took several actions to improve communications access for people with disabilities. Regarding emergency communications, in efforts to implement the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA), they announced that beginning November 30, 2015, video programming distributors must provide emergency information television text crawls to people with vision loss by sounding an aural tone and aurally presenting the information at least twice. Also, the FCC released a Noticed of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) In the Matter if Improving Wireless Emergency Alerts [WEA] and Community Initiated Alerting [PS Docket No. 15-91], proposing to increase the length of WEA messages from 90 characters to 360 and including URLs in the messages. Specifically, the FCC would like to know if and how these, and other proposed changes would improve the accessibility of WEA messages to people with disabilities. A complementary action taken in November, was the FCC’s vote adopting the new Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) rules requiring all wireless handsets to be HAC compliant. This is meant to give people who use hearing assistance technologies the same range of device choices observed by consumers without hearing loss. In prior rulemakings the Wireless RERC has asserted that WEA accessibility depends, in part, on the accessibility of the device. So the extension of HAC requirements to all wireless handsets should increase access on both fronts, to personal communications and emergency notifications.

In Wireless RERC news, we submitted ex parte comments to the FCC in open proceedings concerning the Emergency Alerts System [Docket Nos. 15-94 and 04-296] and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) [Docket Nos. 15-91 and 07-287]. The document presented the background and results of research activities which were conducted to examine the effectiveness of EAS and WEA to provide alerts to people with disabilities.

Finally, two important reports were released in November concerning current and emerging technologies. The Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT) released a paper, eRecruiting & Accessibility: Is HR Technology Hurting Your Bottom Line?, which outlines the current state of electronic recruiting of people with disabilities and what it means for employers. Also, the National Council on Disability (NCD) released a report titled, Self-Driving Cars: Mapping Access to a Technology Revolution. The report focused on how self-driving cars have the potential to increase independence of people with disabilities.

Microsoft Word version of November 2015 Technology and Disability Policy Highlights

October 2015 Technology and Disability Policy Highlights

tiffany — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 18:18:17 +0000

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. According to some, enabling volume control on wireless handset would improve call quality for not only users of hearing aids and cochlear implants, but also for people who are heard of hearing that do not use in ear or bone conduction hearing assistance technology. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) also released a document to address the needs and preferences of people with disabilities. The FTA’s Circular FTA C 4710.1: ADA Guidance, explains several aspects relating to the ADA and accessible public transportation and associated services. The guidance includes stipulations for the provision of accessible information on public transit to be made readily available to people with disabilities through written or electronic media. These formats may include large print, Braille, audiotape, and electronic files for text to speech technology. Additionally, alternatives to audio communications should also be provided to individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

The month of October also brought a round of grant award announcements to further research being done on disability access. The University of New Hampshire received a grant to continue improving knowledge about and access to disability employment data. With October being National Disability Employment Awareness Month, this award was especially timely. At a Justice Department event United States Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch stated, “…our society is made fundamentally more just – and more equal – when we strive to broaden the circle of opportunity to include everyone with the will and the determination to work toward success.”

Finally, please share our 2015 Survey of User Needs (SUN) for Wireless Technologies. The SUN is our survey of wireless technology use and usability by people with all types of disabilities.

To share the SUN, use the share buttons at this link: http://www.wirelessrerc.gatech.edu/content/newsroom/wireless-rerc-launches-new-survey-user-needs

Microsoft Word version of October 2015 Technology and Disability Policy Highlights

September 2015 Technology and Disability Policy Highlights

tiffany — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 18:21:25 +0000

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. Other related activities include a North Carolina A&T State University and Baruch College (CUNY) study that explores veteran's experiences in civilian employment after a military career. The Disability Equality Index Survey, an initiative of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and the US Business Leadership Network (USBLN), created to objectively rate businesses on their disability inclusion policies opened up registration for this year’s survey and assessment. Additionally, three companies, Chief People Officer, Linkages Work Together and AudioEye, entered an agreement to design a job board to accommodate people with disabilities in their search for jobs, and to help companies with Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.

In Wireless RERC news, ZyroMath, an app developed, in part, with support from the Wireless RERC’s App Factory and the National Institute for Disability and Independent Living Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), received the award for best mobile app for children and toddlers. This award was presented by the Best Mobile App Awards (BMAA), an organization that discovers and shares the best mobile apps on the market.

Finally, don’t forget to take and share our 2015 Survey of User Needs (SUN) for Wireless Technologies. The SUN is our cornerstone survey of wireless technology use and usability by people with all types of disabilities.

To share the SUN, use the share buttons at this link: http://www.wirelessrerc.gatech.edu/content/newsroom/wireless-rerc-launches-new-survey-user-needs.
To take the SUN online, please go to this address: HTTPS://WWW.SURVEYMONKEY.COM/R/SUN-2015

Microsoft Word version of September 2015 Technology and Disability Policy Highlights

August 2015 Technology and Disability Policy Highlights

tiffany — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 17:16:18 +0000

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 2016.

At the 2015 Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc. (TDI) Biennial Conference, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler discussed how difficulties experienced by the people with disabilities could be addressed using broadband enabled technology. He stated, “It is time for people who speak with their hands and hear with their eyes to enjoy modern advancements in communications technologies. It’s time for you to be able to have your video products work together, so you can call whomever you wish, whenever you wish, from anywhere. The platform we are launching has tremendous potential to ensure that you will be able to do this.”

The 2015 edition of Tips for Emergency Use of Mobile Devices, by Disability Policy Consultant, June Isaacson Kailes was released. It provides guidelines for optimal use of your mobile device before, during and after an emergency. It covers emergency contacts, alerts, texting, documents, apps, power back-up charging options, bookmarks, “No Service” backup plans, skill drills and more.

The Global Initiative for Inclusive Information and Communication Technologies (G3ict), in collaboration with AT&T, announced the release of Internet of Things: New Promises for Person with Disabilities. According to the press release, both networks and devices have had recent developments that have enabled a greater range of connected devices and Internet of Things (IoT) functionalities and the report explores the impact of IoT on persons with disabilities.

Several App updates were also announced. The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), AccessWorld, app has a new, more accessible version available on the iTunes store. Nuance Communications, Inc. announced plans to launch the new Dragon Anywhere app that brings advanced dictation capabilities to phones, tablets, and desktops. Access and Evacu8 are collaborating on developing an app that will function as an aid for emergency egress of both people with and those without disabilities, as well as, everyday indoor navigation tool.

Microsoft Word version of August 2015 Technology and Disability Policy Highlights

Spring 2015 Technology and Disability Policy Highlights

tiffany — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 15:54:52 +0000

This 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 accessibility regulations. There was also advancement of text-to-911 capabilities with updates to the Text-to-911 Readiness and Certification Registry (Text-to-911 Registry) which lists 911 call centers that are prepared to receive text messages and the date by which emergency text message services should be available to their citizenry. Text-to-911 deployments allow for people with hearing and speech disabilities to independently contact emergency services from their mobile devices. In May, accessibility was central to the FCC’s Open Commission meeting where they considered a proposal to extend accessibility rules that apply to emergency information presented on video programming to emergency alerts presented on “second screen” like tablets and smartphones. They also deliberated the permanent extension of the ‘iCanConnect’ Program, which provides up to $10 million annually for the distribution of communications equipment to low-income individuals who are deaf-blind.

In Wireless RERC news, the App Factory released its 2015-2016 Call for Proposals, inviting developers based in the U.S. to submit proposals for financial support to develop assistive and/or accessibility apps for mobile platforms (e.g., Android, Blackberry, iOS, Windows). In May, the Wireless RERC convened its State of Technology (SoT) Summit, Envisioning Inclusive FUTURES and included 45 subject matter experts in disability advocacy, wireless technology, communications policy, emergency management, hearing access, aging and disability, wearable computing and more. The Summit was grounded in research carried out in 2014 by the Wireless RERC, and focused on 1) key social, economic, political and technological forces at play in the migration from legacy, analog technologies to mobile, digital technologies, and 2) explored the consequential futures for people with disabilities. The results of the Summit will be presented as online conference proceedings and an online and print publication in a special issue of the FUTURES Journal.

Microsoft Word version of Spring 2015 Technology and Disability Policy Highlights

June 2015 Technology and Disability Policy Highlights

tiffany — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 15:08:13 +0000

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) establish a broadband Lifeline Assistance program that provides low-income Americans living in rural and urban areas with assistance in subscribing to affordable broadband service. Incorporating the provision of broadband into the Lifeline Program could potentially increase adoption by some people with disabilities who have cited affordability as their main barrier to becoming a broadband subscriber.

The FCC was also a matter of consideration for the Government Accountability Office (GAO) who conducted a review of the Commission’s efforts to implement provisions of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA) [PL 111-260]. After conducting a survey of stakeholders, of which the Wireless RERC was included as a respondent, the GAO suggested that the FCC evaluate the “quality, quantity, and timeliness of the outreach program.” In June, the FCC initiated more action regarding the CVAA when they released a Request for Comment - Petition for Partial Extension of Class Waiver of Commission's Rules for Access to Advanced Communications Services and Equipment by People with Disabilities [CG Docket No. 10-213]. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) asked the FCC for continued exemption from CVAA rules requiring video game equipment and software to be accessible. The ESA requests the extension of this waiver because of the technical issues in making assistive technology for video games. By October 8th, the FCC will decide if they will grant the extension.

In Wireless RERC news, the App Factory 2015-2016 Call for Proposals is still seeking developers based in the U.S. to submit proposals for financial support to develop assistive and/or accessibility apps for mobile platforms (e.g., Android, Blackberry, iOS, Windows). Additionally, the Wireless RERC's research team is pleased to announce the launch of the 2015 Survey of User Needs (SUN) for Wireless Technologies. Please consider participating in the Survey of User Needs. You can participate on the web, on the phone, or we can send you a paper copy with a postage paid return envelope.

Microsoft Word version of June 2015 Technology and Disability Policy Highlights

February 2015 Technology and Disability Policy Highlights

tiffany — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 17:46:03 +0000

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 federal and federally-funded resources for employers who seek to provide people with disabilities the opportunity to obtain, succeed, and advance in their profession.

Additionally, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Public Notice [WT Docket No. 10–254; WT Docket No. 07–250; DA 15–46] extending comment dates and correcting errors found in their December 23rd request for updated information on current hearing aid compatibility regulations for wireless handsets. Seeking to implement provisions of the Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA), the rulemaking sought to update the record on whether the FCC should (1) revise the hearing aid compatibility requirements to apply in a technologically neutral manner to all mobile wireless devices used for voice communications, and (2) move away from the fractional compliance regime that exists today and implement a requirement that all mobile wireless devices must comply with the hearing aid compatibility rules.

In other news, the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), released its Fiscal Year 2014 Organization Highlights report announcing that the organization has changed its name to the Administration for Community Living (ACL). The report provides stakeholders, Congress, and the Obama Administration with a summary of the department’s accomplishments and activities in preparation for the new fiscal year. The new direction of ACL promises to leverage the work of the Wireless RERC, along with the corresponding appointment of Dr. Helena Mitchell, Principal Investigator for the Wireless RERC, to the FCC’s Disability Advisory Committee (DAC).

Microsoft Word version of February 2015 Technology and Disability Policy Highlights

January 2015 Technology and Disability Policy Highlights

tiffany — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 15:48:39 +0000

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, play back, or display of programming) accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired, and (2) rules requiring navigation devices to make on-screen text menus and guides for the display or selection of multichannel video programming audibly accessible.

In what some advocates may consider to be a stall in accessibility regulations, the FCC approved a waiver extension for eReaders, exempting them from the requirements of the advanced communications services (ACS) accessibility rules. However, this waiver only applies to basic eReaders, lasts one year and comes with many stipulations. Future reviews of this waiver extension will take into consideration not only if ACS is a prominent feature of the eReader, but the context in which it is used, i.e. educational and employment environments may necessitate greater regulation.

In other news, the Wireless RERC filed comments in response to the FCC’s Public Notice, Request for Updated Information and Comment on Wireless Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) Regulations [WT Docket Nos. 07-250 and 10-254], reaffirming that the accessibility of information and communications technology (ICT) and services are essential to enhancing inclusion and independence for people with disabilities. Among other things, the comments supported requiring that all mobile handsets to be compliant with HAC regulations. The Wireless RERC acknowledged the difficulty of crafting these regulations due to the sometimes competing priorities of industry and consumers and the complexity of interaction between increasingly sophisticated and powerful wireless handsets. Nevertheless, they also maintained that people with hearing loss deserve and are entitled to having parity of access to telecommunications services, wireless, or otherwise.

Microsoft Word version of January 2015 Technology and Disability Policy Highlights

November – December 2014 Technology and Disability Policy Highlights

tiffany — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 23:31:38 +0000

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 attention on the global disability community in her remarks at the High-level Meeting: Equal Access, Inclusive Development. She stated, “We have much to learn from each other, and everything to gain in building more inclusive societies, with workforces that benefit from the unique contributions of persons with disabilities.” On December 2^nd, in observance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, President Barack Obama issued a Presidential Proclamation calling for the celebration of individuals with disabilities around the world and the fundamental right to dignity, freedom, and community available to all people. He also remarked on his continued efforts to encourage the Senate to ratify the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), a point also addressed by the National Council on Disability (NCD). Reaffirming the need for laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act, NCD took the opportunity to restate their support for ratification of the CRPD, specifying that “incidence of poverty, lack of educational and/or employment opportunities” inhibit many people with disabilities from realizing the same benefits of technology, and consequently a higher standard of living, available to non-disabled persons.

The Federal Commutations Commission (FCC) closed out 2014 with two calls for participation in FCC committees that will focus on issues impacting consumers. They established a new Disability Advisory Committee (DAC), which will offer recommendations to the FCC concerning disability access issues, assist in educating the public on disability-related matters, and facilitate the participation of consumers with disabilities in FCC proceedings. The FCC also renewed its Consumer Advisory Committee to provide evidence-based guidance to the FCC that addresses (1) consumer protection and education; (2) implementation of Commission rules and consumer participation in the FCC rulemaking process; and (3) the impact of new emerging communications technologies.

Regarding participation in the rulemaking process, the FCC issued a Public Notice [WT Docket Nos. 07-250 and 10-254] seeking updated information to assess whether current hearing aid compatibility (HAC) rules for wireless handsets effectively address the needs of people who are Deaf and hard of hearing. They also issued a Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking [CG Docket No. 05-231] seeking additional comment on proposed rules to require video programmers to file contact information and certifications of captioning compliance.

The FCC rules requiring Commercial Mobile Radio Service (CMRS) providers and other providers of interconnected text messaging applications to support the text-to-911 service were accepted by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rendering them enforceable. The Second Report and Order, among other things, provided that covered text providers have a six-month implementation period to begin routing all 911 text messages to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) by June 30, 2015 or within six months of a valid PSAP request for text- to-911 service.

In next month’s issue, Wireless RERC news will include a discussion of the top 25 topics addressed in this newsletter, as well as which stories had the most social media shares.

Word version of November December 2014 Technology and Disability Policy Highlights