HLAA Joins Consumers Commenting on FCC Rules

HLAA signed onto comments drafted in concert with TDI (Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) and other Accessibility Advocacy Organizations and Research Organizations that were filed with the...HLAA signed onto comments drafted in concert with TDI (Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) and other Accessibility Advocacy Organizations and Research Organizations that were filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) June 7, 2021. Those comments were drafted in response to the FCC’s Public Notice to update the 21st Century Video and … Read More >

Do You–or Someone You Know–Need Access to Discounted Broadband Services?

If you—or someone you know—have experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020 with a total household income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and...If you—or someone you know—have experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020 with a total household income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers or if you otherwise qualify for this Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program, you may be eligible for a discount on Broadband … Read More >

Emergency Broadband Benefit Webinar for Consumers and Outreach Partners

On Tuesday, April 27, 2021, starting at 3:00 p.m. ET, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will host a public webinar to provide information on the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). EBB...On Tuesday, April 27, 2021, starting at 3:00 p.m. ET, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will host a public webinar to provide information on the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). EBB is a temporary program that provides a discount of up to $50 per month ($75 on Tribal lands) off a qualifying household’s internet bill. For … Read More >

FCC Announces New Outreach to Collect Consumer Broadband Availability Experiences

The Federal Communications Commission FCC recently announced an effort to collect consumers’ broadband experiences. The stories shared by consumers will help to inform the FCC’s broadband data collection efforts. “Far too many...The Federal Communications Commission FCC recently announced an effort to collect consumers’ broadband experiences. The stories shared by consumers will help to inform the FCC’s broadband data collection efforts. “Far too many Americans are left behind in access to jobs, education, and healthcare if they do not have access to broadband,” said Acting FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. … Read More >

FCC Releases Hearing Aid Compatibility Report and Order

On February 22, 2021, the FCC released a Report and Order to update the FCC’s wireless hearing aid compatibility requirements to ensure that the FCC’s rules reflect the latest technical...On February 22, 2021, the FCC released a Report and Order to update the FCC’s wireless hearing aid compatibility requirements to ensure that the FCC’s rules reflect the latest technical developments and standards, and to continue on the path to making 100% of wireless handsets hearing aid-compatible. The Commission adopted the 2019 ANSI Hearing Aid … Read More >

FCC Extends Waiver for TRS Providers

Early on during the COVID-19 pandemic, in March, 2020, the FCC took action to ensure that TRS services would continue to be available to people with hearing loss. These waivers...Early on during the COVID-19 pandemic, in March, 2020, the FCC took action to ensure that TRS services would continue to be available to people with hearing loss. These waivers allow TRS providers flexibility to deal with reduced staffing and increased call volumes, to enable more of their employees to provide services from their homes, … Read More >

FCC Invites Comment on Proposed Metrics for Captioned Telephone Services

The FCC released a notice of rulemaking that is open to the public for comment. HLAA filed comments alongside other organizations representing consumers. Reply comments will be accepted until April...The FCC released a notice of rulemaking that is open to the public for comment. HLAA filed comments alongside other organizations representing consumers. Reply comments will be accepted until April 2. The FCC’s notice follows: Comments due:  March 3, 2021 Reply comments due:  April 2, 2021 On October 2, 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) … Read More >

HLAA Appointed to the FCC’s Disability Advisory Committee

HLAA has once again been appointed to sit on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) Disability Advisory Committee (DAC). On January 13, 2021, the FCC released a Public Notice announcing the...HLAA has once again been appointed to sit on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) Disability Advisory Committee (DAC). On January 13, 2021, the FCC released a Public Notice announcing the appointments of the co-chairs and members for the fourth term of the DAC. HLAA has been part of the DAC since its inaugural meeting and … Read More >

HLAA, Communication Access Advocates Send Accessibility Priorities to Biden’s FCC Transition Team

In consultation with Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. (TDI), the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), the American Council of the Blind...In consultation with Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. (TDI), the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), the American Council of the Blind (ACB), and the Technology Access Program (TAP) at Gallaudet University, the Samuelson-Glushko Technology Law and Policy Clinic (TLPC), a Public interest technology law and policy advocacy at Colorado … Read More >

FCC Announces 2020 Winners of Chairman’s Awards for Advancements in Accessibility

On October 7, 2020, the FCC announced the 2020 winners of the Chairman’s Awards for Advancements in Accessibility (Chairman’s AAA).  This FCC program, which began in 2011, is focused on...On October 7, 2020, the FCC announced the 2020 winners of the Chairman’s Awards for Advancements in Accessibility (Chairman’s AAA).  This FCC program, which began in 2011, is focused on improving access to telecommunications and technology for people with disabilities.  Those being honored this year are national thought leaders whose sustained excellence throughout their careers … Read More >