Wireless RERC - deaf

Seeking People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing for Usability Study in Atlanta

mz22 — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 20:04:52 +0000

A usability study will be held at the Center for Assistive Technology & Environmental Access (CATEA). We will be asking for feedback on several different light, vibration and sound signals for receiving emergency messages on cell phones.

The study will take about one hour and participants will be compensated $40 cash for their time and opinions. It is currently scheduled for:

Wednesday, June 24, 2015 (ASL Interpreters Available)

Thursday, June 25, 2015 (CART Service Available)

There are only 10 spots open for each day; each time slot can accommodate two people. See the slots listed below:

· 9:30 – 10:30

· 10:45 – 11:45

· 12:00 – 1:00

· 2:30 – 3:30

· 4:00 – 5:00

If you are available, please email Salimah LaForce at salimah@cacp.gatech.edu to select a time slot and let her know which day is most appropriate for you based on the accommodation provided (CART vs ASL). If/when you select a date and time Salimah will send a detailed confirmation that includes the location address.

Wireless RERC on the Record - Hearing Aid Compatibility Regulations

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

deaf

Hard-of-Hearing

Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC)

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

Publication Type:

Policy Filings

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.

Georgia Tech Seeks Focus Group Participants for Emergency Alerts Research

mz22 — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 18:10:32 +0000

deaf

hard of hearing

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)

October 2014 – In research funded by the U. S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate, Georgia Tech is holding focus groups to discuss assistive technology features, mobile devices, and how people with disabilities respond and are alerted of emergencies. Because different disability types aren’t always considered in the design of alerting systems, this cycle of research is seeking feedback from individuals who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing. Research findings are expected to inform the development of technology and policy solutions that will optimize emergency message receipt and protective actions taken by people with hearing disabilities.

The discussions will be held at GACHI, located at 4151 Memorial Dr., Decatur, GA 30032 on the following dates:

Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Friday, November 14, 2014

The total time commitment is approximately 2 hours and participants will be compensated $40.00.

To sign up or recommend a participant, please contact Maureen Linden at 404.894.0561 or Maureen.linden@coa.gatech.edu.

FCC Posts Two New Videos in American Sign Language

mz22 — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 13:12:22 +0000

American Sign Language (ASL)

deaf

hard of hearing

Text-to-911

ASL Videos Posted by the FCC

October 2014 – The FCC posted two new videos this month that include American Sign Language (ASL) interpretations of information concerning emergency services and the FCC’s Advanced Video Communications Platform and in ASL Video. The original video that was posted in June 2014 provided information about the launch of an ASL Consumer Support Line that allows people who are deaf and hard of hearing to use the service via videophone. In order to reach the population of people whose primary language is ASL, the FCC’s outreach and education is beginning to include ASL versions of materials otherwise presented in text and/or audio. The two additional videos were provided by the FCC’s Disability Rights Office and discuss telecommunications.

Advanced Video Communications Platform: Overview about the purpose and functionality of the upcoming Advanced Video Communication Platform, a tool to ensure the efficiency and competition of Video Relay Service (VRS) and the interoperability of VRS and video point to point communication.
The Text to 9-1-1 in ASL Video: Information about the FCC’s recent action on the Text-to-911 rulemaking in order to promote the availability of the service.

For additional information about the FCC’s Disability Rights Office and to view these videos, please click here.

FCC Opens ASL Videophone Line

mz22 — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 14:41:39 +0000

American Sign Language (ASL)

deaf

ASL Consumer Support Line

June 2014 – For the first time, the Federal Communications Commission has launched a service they are calling the “ASL Consumer Support Line.” This video-based support line will engage deaf and hard of hearing consumers who communicate through American Sign Language (ASL). Prior to this, the deaf and hard of hearing community was only able to communicate via relay services or through a complaint form that could be filed online. Now, these consumers will be able to use their videophones and a ten-digit number to connect to ASL Consumer Specialists during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. Beyond being able to file formal complaints, this service will allow consumers to ask questions related to “telecommunications relay service (TRS), closed captioning and access to emergency information on television, and general telecommunication matters, such as slamming, Do-Not-Call telemarketing violations and broadband services.” To access this service, citizens who rely on ASL can call 844-FCC-ASL (844-432-2275) or 202-810-0444 between 10AM and 5:30pm (EST) Monday through Friday.

Wireless RERC Recommends ASL Translation of Emergency Messages

mz22 — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 20:21:38 +0000

American Sign Language

(ASL)

deaf

Emergency Alert System (EAS)

Wireless RERC Comments Regarding Multilingual EAS Messages

Publication Type:

Policy Filings

May 2014 – The Wireless RERC filed comments regarding EAS Rules to Support Multilingual EAS and Emergency Information [EB Docket No. 04-296] corroborating the work of the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council (MMTC) in their efforts to increase access to emergency information for people whose native language is not English, specifically noting the need for the inclusion of American Sign Language (ASL). ASL is a distinct language used by individuals of the deaf community and is fundamentally unlike English. Many deaf people are conversant only in ASL and have difficulty understanding written English. Currently, emergency alert messages are not accessible for deaf people that rely on ASL. This signifies that potentially millions of Americans are not adequately receiving, understanding, and reacting to emergency messages. There currently is a great need to provide these accessible messages for this population in the language they understand best.

Screaming Loud and Subtly Soft - App to Alert User of Sounds in the Environment

mz22 — Fri, 09 May 2014 18:57:31 +0000

Tecnalia MyEardroid App

May 2014 – The Tecnalia Centre for Applied Research has launched an app called MyEardroid. It. identifies “ordinary sounds that are produced in the home environment.” The app responds in real time to sounds around the individual by immediately analyzing the sound and showing an image and text on the smartphone. The most interesting feature of the app is the user’s ability to customize the sounds relevant to his/her surroundings, for example, a dripping faucet or a knock on the bedroom door. The app is currently available free of charge in the Google Play store.

FCC Releases Rules to Improve Closed Captioning

mz22 — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 14:33:01 +0000

Closed Captions

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

deaf

hard of hearing

FCC R&O [CG Docket No. 05-231]

February 2014 — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Report and Order (R&O) and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FRPRM) In the Matter of Closed Captioning of Video Programming [CG Docket No. 05-231]. The R&O adopts new rules in accordance with Section 713 of the Communications Act to enhance the quality of closed captioning, including new standards to ensure that captions are accurate and synchronous in portraying the spoken words and background noises, are present for the whole program, and are placed in such a way that they do not block important visual content. Also adopted are rules which require broadcasters “who utilize Electronic Newsroom Technique (ENT)” to ensure that all news scripted for the teleprompter is also captioned. In order to ensure technical compliance of the rules, the R&O specifies that video programming distributors must “monitor and maintain their equipment,” in addition to keeping records of any “maintenance, monitoring and technical checks of their captioning equipment.”

In the FNPRM, the FCC seeks comment on additional factors to further enhance “accessibility of television programming.” Specifically, the FCC seeks comment on whether metrics should be established to measure the completeness of live and near-live captioning and if specific time intervals should be established for equipment checks. Regarding consumer complaints, the FCC seeks comment on methods to improve complaint handling and proposes a “public dashboard containing information about captioning complaints.” Finally, the FCC is requesting comments on the level of compliance regarding technical standards of captions and whether consumers have had any issues with recent “on-screen visual changes or textual depictions.” Comments for Section VI.A of the FNPRM are due 30 days after publication in the Federal Register and comments for the remaining sections are due 90 days after publication in the Federal Register.