COAT Position Statement: Universal Service Reform for People Who are Deaf-Blind

Universal Service

COAT recommendation: Allocate a targeted portion of the Universal Service Fund (USF) to meet the unique telecommunications needs of individuals who are deaf-blind.

Who will benefit? There are approximately 70,000 people living in the United States who are deaf-blind.[1] These individuals are amongst the most unserved and underserved populations with respect to the provision of telecommunications services.

Universal Service Reform for People with Disabilities

Universal Service

COAT recommendation: Ensure universal service fund availability for low income persons with disabilities wishing to use high speed Internet services through the Lifeline and Link-up programs, in order to increase the number of people with disabilities who can access these broadband services.

Deaf-Blind People Get Universal Service with new Equipment Distribution Programs

Universal Service

On July 2, 2012, COAT was delighted to learn, via a public notice, the FCC certified fifty-three programs across the U.S. -- that is, in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, D.C., and the Virgin Islands -- who can participate in the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP). The NDBEDP provides up to $10 million each year from the telecommunications relay services fund for distribution of communications equipment to low-income

"Message to Silicon Valley" Video on Inaccessible Wireless Communications; Captioning by COAT Affiliate CCAC

Other Access Issues

September 7, 2010. "Dear Silicon Valley," is a video film recently released by videographer AnonymsByChoice. The video clip, posted on YouTube, is made by people with disabilities about (lack of) accessibility in wireless communications and information technology. Filmed at the 2010 National Summit on Disability Policy held in Washington, D.C.

American Council of Blind Passes Resolution on H.R. 3101

Progress of the Bill

At its recent annual conference and convention in Phoenix, AZ, the members of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) passed a resolution on July 16, 2010 in regard to some of the missing provisions in H.R. 3101. Text of the resolution is below, and in the attached document below.

American Council of the Blind

H.R. 3101 Takes a Step Forward, But Leaves Behind People who are Deaf-Blind

Universal Service

July 2, 2010: COAT Action Alert! Sample Message:
"Restore Section 105(b) to H.R. 3101 – Access to 21st Century Communications by People who are Deaf-Blind."

Markup scheduled for H.R. 3101, 21st Century Communications & Video Accessibility Act

Progress of the Bill

June 29, 2010. COAT is pleased to see a markup of H.R. 3101 has been scheduled. The House Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet will meet in open markup session on Wednesday, June 30, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. in room 2123 Rayburn House Office Building, to consider H.R. 3101, the “Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2009.”

TV monitors will display captions. The markup will also be streamed live online with captions. More info will be posted at http://bit.ly/9E3upA.