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.

COAT Affiliates Speak at FCC Broadband Hearing October 20

Representatives from over a dozen COAT affiliates spoke at the FCC Broadband Workshop held at the FCC in Washington, DC, October 20. The hearing addresses barriers, opportunities & policy recommendations for people with disabilities in regard to broadband access. AADB, ACB, AFB, ATAP, CATEA, Inclusive Technologies, NAD, NorCal Center, SCTI, WGBH Media Access Center, in addition to COAT itself are speaking.

The event is webcast (register in advance).

The purpose of the workshop is to promote open dialogue between the FCC and key constituents as the FCC develops the National Broadband Plan. The FCC is required to submit this plan to the U.S. Congress by February 17, 2010.

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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.