National Association of the Deaf

The NAD, along with other consumer advocacy groups, asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to require nationwide relay services for “captioned telephone” users. The FCC is now asking the public for comments on this issue. Support Captioned Telephone Service by sending your comment to the FCC by July 27, 2009.

Captioned Telephone Service enables people who communicate by speaking to listen to what they can hear, and read what the other person is saying through a special “captioned telephone” that has a built-in screen to display captions. The service began in 2001 and the FCC approved the service for payment from the Telecommunications Relay Service Fund in 2003. Consumer advocacy groups first asked the FCC to require nationwide Captioned Telephone Service in 2005. The FCC received hundreds of comments from the public supporting our request. In 2007, the FCC said that it would address whether Captioned Telephone Service should be required nationwide, but never did.

Today, there are a few states (Delaware, Louisiana, and Massachusetts) that do not provide Captioned Telephone Service. There are many states that restrict Captioned Telephone Service – through limitations on the sale or distribution of captioned telephone equipment; limitations on the use of this equipment and relay services across state lines; and intrusions into the privacy of captioned telephone users. On June 10, 2009, consumer advocacy groups provided the FCC with additional information in support of mandatory nationwide Captioned Telephone Relay Service. On June 26, the FCC issued a Public Notice asking the public for additional comments and information.

If you use, would like to use, or know someone who could benefit from Captioned Telephone Service, please tell the FCC:

I support the request of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and other consumer advocacy groups to require Captioned Telephone Service nationwide. Caption Telephone Service will benefit many deaf and hard of hearing people. We need a uniform system of nationwide Captioned Telephone Service, without restrictions or limitations imposed by states.

To file your comment or tell your story about how Captioned Telephone Service benefits you now or would benefit you in the future at home or at work – go to the FCC Electronic Comment form. In the box labeled “1. Proceeding,” type the numbers 03-123. Complete all other “required” information boxes. Scroll down to the section called “Send a Brief Comment to FCC,” type your comment, and click the “Send Brief Comment to FCC” button at the bottom.

Comments must be filed by July 27, 2009.