People with Speech Disabilities Need Advocacy Support For FCC Rulemaking

January 4, 2012. As COAT members may recall, affiliate SCT is spearheading a movement to ask the FCC to approve a new version of the Speech-to-Speech (STS) form of relay service which will allow Communications Assistants (CAs) to see the consumer with a severe speech disability. This will make telephone access possible for people whose speech is so hard to understand that they need to be seen to be understood. Advocates are needed to tell the FCC to change its rules by going to the SCT website and clicking on the box (on left side) that says “New FCC filing information request for Video Assisted Speech to Speech 12-22-11”. Supporters should then click on all the reasons why they support video assisted speech-to-speech (VID-STS).

The Petition for a VID-STS Rulemaking originates from a tiny non-profit organization run by consumers with speech disabilities seeking functional equivalence of phone services.  Many COAT affiliates have supported this effort in the past (see previous COAT story) due to the unique aspects of the community of people with severe speech disabilities:

• Many consumers with severe speech disability cannot be understood unless the listener can combine verbal and facial cues. For that reason, VID-STS will be the first technology that will allow telephone access.
• The delay in requesting this technology stems from the lack of political power of potential users. Speech disability by nature limits the ability to advocate. Speech disability is often concomitant with other disabilities which deter or prevent the full range of advocacy activities.
• The petition for a VID-STS form of relay service is supported by many potential users, family members, allied medical professional and industry representatives.
• People with speech disabilities should benefit from the fruits of the internet, just like people with other disabilities.
• Many users communicate with a voice output device or computer called an Augmentative and Alternative Communication device (AAC). An AAC user will have the option of sharing the screen of the AAC device with the Communications Assistant or CA. This will give the CA additional information if they are having trouble understanding the AAC device. Many of these users will be able to communicate effectively with the CA if they have this option.
• A large portion of potential users are impoverished because the severity of their disability prevents them from becoming fully employed. 
• VID-STS could lead to expanded employment opportunities for many users because telephone access is generally a prerequisite to obtaining employment and to carrying out job tasks.
• Potential users of VID-STS include people with Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s, ALS, and other speech disabilities.
• VID-STS can provide access to emergency services not available to many potential users now.

Action Step: Disability advocates are encouraged to go to the Speech-to-Speech consumer group website and show support for this new form of relay service so that there will be a 21st century, Internet-based video service for people with severe speech disabilities. Click on the box (on left side) that says “New FCC filing information request for Video Assisted Speech to Speech 12-22-11”. Supporters should then Click through all the reasons why they support video assisted speech-to-speech (VID-STS).