National Association of the Deaf

Submitted by Debra.Patkin on Wed, 03/17/2010 - 16:39

Early identification of children who are born deaf or hard of hearing is critical to ensure that their families have the resources they need to help their children acquire language, and achieve age-appropriate communicative, cognitive, academic, social, and emotional development.  Despite the establishment of state newborn hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) programs, a lot of work remains. 

Submitted by Debra.Patkin on Wed, 03/10/2010 - 13:28

Since November 2009, all VRS and IP Relay users have local 10-digit numbers. The NAD believes that local 10-digit numbers for VRS and IP Relay users are superior to personal toll free numbers (800 or 866 numbers). However, many VRS and IP Relay users still have two numbers – a local 10-digit number and a toll free number. This was not the goal of the local 10-digit numbering plan. The NAD encourages VRS and IP Relay users to use their local 10-digit numbers and stop using personal toll free numbers.

Submitted by Debra.Patkin on Wed, 03/10/2010 - 13:26

The NAD, working with TDI and other consumer groups, advocated strongly for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to allow people to use VRS and IP Relay toll free numbers (800 or 866 numbers) the same way hearing people use toll free numbers.  See the NAD Consumer Alert for more information.  Today, as a result of these efforts, all calls to VRS and IP Relay toll free numbers are connected.  The FCC will review and may develop new policies for toll free numbers.  Here are some things the FCC may consider.