Emergency Information and Services
COAT Position Statement: Ensure Access to Emergency Information and Services
COAT recommendation: Ensure that people with disabilities have equivalent access to emergency information and services through the identification of barriers and implementation of solutions in current and new technologies, including solutions for achieving access by people with disabilities to 9-1-1 emergency public safety answering points (PSAPs) through the receipt of text and video.
FCC Report Shows TV Accessibility Complaints Continue to Climb
On August 13, 2010, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued its first quarter 2010 Consumer Complaints Report. Among the general complaints, the quarterly report shows some disability-related consumer complaints/inquiries regarding video description, closed captioning, and emergency access to video programming, as follows:
FCC Seeks Comments on Accessibility of Cell Phones for People Who are Blind, with Vision Loss or are Deaf-Blind
In a notice released August 5, 2010, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) asks for comments on accessibility of wireless phones for people who are blind, have vision loss or are deaf-blind, how gaps in accessibility prevent communication, on cost and feasibility issues and on technical barriers, among other topics raised in the Federal Register Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). Comments are due September 13, with Reply Comments due September 30, 2010.
U.S. Senate Passes S.3304 by Unanimous Consent!
August 5, 2010, Washington, D.C.:-- COAT celebrates the passage of the "Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010" (S. 3304) by the U.S. Senate today by unanimous consent. Due to the extraordinary efforts of advocates across the country and in Washington, D.C., COAT has secured a monumental step forward in accessible technology.
U.S. House of Representatives Votes For H.R. 3101, Passes With Large Majority!!
July 26, 2010. COAT is delighted that, on the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 348 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives voted for H.R. 3101, "The Twenty-First Century Communications & Video Accessibility Act." In summary 220 Democrats and 128 Republicans voted for H.R. 3101. See who voted how here.
COAT Affiliates Speak at "Apps 4 Access" on Capitol Hill
As part of the events celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Disability Power & Pride sponsored an event called "Apps 4 Access," on July 23, 2010 that focused on accessible wireless technology. Jenifer Simpson of AAPD, Paul Schroeder of AFB, and
National Association of the Deaf: H.R. 3101 Heads to House Floor for Vote, Asks Senate for Same
NAD Statement July 22, 2010.
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) applauds and thanks the House Energy and Commerce Committee for voting favorably on July 21, 2010, for the “Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010” (H.R. 3101). Next, H.R. 3101 will be voted on by the members of the U.S. House of Representatives. After that, the NAD will ask the U.S. Senate to promptly pass H.R. 3101.
Wireless Industry Chief Says H.R. 3101 is Important Step Forward In Accessibility
Press Release: CTIA-The Wireless Association® Commends Mark-Up of 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act. Posted July 21, 2010
Closed Caption button on remote.