COAT advocates for accessibility and usability of technology for people with disabilities. Enacting the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (21st CVAA) was a huge step forward and we are working to implement this new law. COAT’s overall aim is to ensure accessibility, usability, and affordability of all broadband, wireless, and Internet technologies for people with disabilities.

Helen Keller Statue Dedication Highlights Need for Technology Access

Rep. Edward Markey (MA) issued a press statement October 7, on the dedication of the statue of Helen Keller in the U.S. Capitol. His press release noted not only Helen Keller's lifetime achievements and that she had attended the Perkins School for the Blind in his Congressonal district, but also noted the importance of HR 3101. The release states "HR 3101 would provide a smooth migration to the next generation of Internet-based and digital communications technologies for people with disabilities."

Steven M. Rothstein, president of The Perkins School for the Blind said: “All of us at Perkins are thrilled that the Helen Keller statue will stand in our nation’s capital. ... His leadership on the communications and video accessibility bill ensures that Helen Keller’s enduring message of possibility will be heard for generations to come.”

See photo of Marlee Matlin visiting statue of Helen Keller on November 5.

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Andrew Phillips, National Association of the Deaf; Eric Bridges, American Council of the Blind; Mark Richert, American Foundation for the Blind; and Jenifer Simpson, American Association of People with Disabilities, outside the FCC building, Washington DC, after meetings on pending rules under 21st CVAA.

Celebration of the bill's final passage

Rep. Ed Markey and Legislative Director Mark Bayer celebrate the bill’s final passage on September 28, 2010, in front of the Helen Keller statue, with the leaders from the Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology: Karen Peltz Strauss, formerly with Communication Service for the Deaf; Jenifer Simpson, American Association of People with Disabilities; Rosaline Crawford, National Association of the Deaf. Their hands symbolize clapping in sign language.

Congressman Ed Markey in photo of Congressional hearing room dais. Congressman Ed Markey (D-MA), center, introduced the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2009 (H.R. 3101) on June 26, 2009.

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President Obama signs the Accessibility Act

President Obama signed the 21^st
Century Communications & Video Accessibility Act into law on October 8, 2010, with many key advocates and lawmakers in attendance.