Wireless RERC - Hard-of-Hearing

Wireless RERC on the Record - Hearing Aid Compatibility Regulations

mz22 — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 15:41:18 +0000

Wireless RERC/CACP Comments Filed in Response to Public Notice [WT Docket Nos. 07-250 and 10-254]

Publication Type:

The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for Wireless Technologies (Wireless RERC), in collaboration with Georgia Tech’s Center for Advanced Communications Policy (CACP), submitted 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]. Released on November 21, 2014, the Public Notice sought insight into the current consumer experience, technical or other barriers to the provision of hearing aid compatible mobile phones, and considerations to amend rules for Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) compliance. The Wireless RERC and CACP reaffirmed the belief that the accessibility of information and communications technology (ICT) and services are essential to enhancing inclusion and independence for people with disabilities. Comments were respectfully based on subject matter expertise developed over the past 14 years: findings from consumer surveys and focus groups, policy research, and development efforts. The comments were also largely informed by analyses of data collected via the Wireless RERC’s hearing aid compatibility (HAC) survey research.

The FCC sought to update the record on two principle issues: (1) Whether the FCC should revise the hearing aid compatibility requirement to apply in a technologically neutral manner to all mobile wireless devices; and (2) Whether the FCC should consider moving away from the fractional compliance benchmarks and implement a requirement that all mobile wireless devices must comply with the hearing aid compatibility rules. The Wireless RERC and CACP addressed both issues with the following assertions:

Ease of finding a compatible phone would be greatly improved if HAC requirements applied to all wireless handsets and would simplify phone selection for people with varying capabilities. For people with hearing loss, when purchasing a handset there are other mainstream and accessibility features to consider in conjunction with HAC compliance. One should not have to sacrifice other phone features to ensure they are purchasing a HAC compliant phone.
Phones are rapidly changing forms and technologies; the Commission should attempt to create a large tent to encompass as many technologies that might be used in devices with phone features. Most Wi-Fi phones and private internal phone networks interconnect with the public switched telephone network (PSTN) through a gateway so they can be used to make traditional phone calls. …a technologically neutral manner should be adopted.
Hearing aid users report little improvement in ease of finding a hearing aid compatible wireless handset over the course of implementation of the HAC Act requirements. Substantial proportions of hearing aid users still report their search as being difficult or very difficult. Furthermore, fractional deployment causes problems for consumers in today’s market as more and more consumers are opting to have wireless devices only. These factors indicate it might be time to phase out the fractional deployment rules.

In closing, the comments acknowledged the difficulty of crafting 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.

FCC Extends Comment Dates for Wireless Hearing Aid Compatibility Regulations Information

mz22 — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 18:24:49 +0000

Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC)

deaf

Hard-of-Hearing

Request for Updated Information and Comment on Wireless HAC Regulations; Correction and Extension of Comment Dates

February 2015 – The FCC released a notice [47 CFR Part 20] correcting errors found in their December 23rd request for updated information to assess whether current hearing aid compatibility rules for wireless handsets effectively address the needs of people who are Deaf and hard of hearing. The December public notice was issued on behalf of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (Wireless Bureau) and the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) seeking insight into the current consumer experience, technical or other barriers to the provision of hearing aid compatible devices on new wireless technologies, and considerations to amend FCC rules for Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) compliance. The notice was published as an effective date instead of comment and reply deadlines. As a result, the comment and comment reply deadlines have been extended to: February 5, 2015 to file comments; February 20, 2015 to file reply comments.

This extension comes in response to a joint request by Telecommunications Industry Association, (CTIA)—The Wireless Association, and Hearing Loss Association of America to extend reply dates. Given recent deployment of LTE networks, Wi-Fi calling, and various other developments, wireless hearing aid compatibility issues are of grave importance to those who use assistive technology and those that advocate on their behalf. While some of the rules currently impose hearing aid compatibility requirements based on the underlying network technology and not on a device’s functionality, the FCC seeks to update the record on two principle issues:

Should the FCC revise the hearing aid compatibility requirement to apply in a technologically neutral way to all mobile wireless devices that can be used for voice communications?
Should the FCC consider moving 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?

To view a full copy of the Public Notice, please click the link below.

Accessibility of Wireless Emergency Alerts

mz22 — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 13:31:28 +0000

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)

Focus Groups

deaf

Hard-of-Hearing

We need your help to make emergency alerts and warning systems accessible to people with disabilities. Alerts and warning messages are critical during emergencies. People with disabilities are sometimes not considered when sending alerts and warnings. This can impact how you prepare, respond and get back to normal life. We invite you to discuss how you are alerted and respond to emergency alerts, the vibration and light features of assistive technologies and mobile phones. We seek individuals who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing.

The discussions will be held at the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf (AASD) 890 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, Georgia 30021 on December 3^rd and 4^th.

You only need to participate on one day. Your total time commitment will be no more than 2 hours; this does not include travel time to and from AASD. If you decide to participate you will be compensated $40.00.

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) on behalf of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate really needs your input. You have been recommended by the Georgia Council for the Hearing Impaired, Inc. (GACHI), Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Wireless Technologies (Wireless RERC), the Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access (CATEA) or the Georgia Emergency Preparedness Coalition for Individuals with Disabilities and Older Adults.

If you want to participate, please reply to this email with your preferred date and time, email address and mobile phone number (indicate if you would only like to receive texts). Feel free to share this announcement with anyone you think would be interested in participating.

Contact information: Maureen Linden at 404.894.0561 or Maureen.linden@coa.gatech.edu.