National Association of the Deaf

On July 30, 2009, deaf and hard of hearing people met with many congressional staff members in Washington, DC, to educate them about the “Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2009” (H.R. 3101). During the month of August, members of Congress will be in their home states. Grab this opportunity to meet with your congressional representatives and advocate for access.

Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TDI) hosted a “legislative day” on Capitol Hill as part of its biennial international conference in Washington, DC. The morning began with TDI public policy awards presentations to Senator John McCain and Representative Ed Markey. These congressional leaders have been champions of access legislation for many years. Following these presentations, panels of experts and consumers briefed a large audience of congressional staff members, industry representatives, and consumers about H.R. 3101, the “Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act f 2009.”

At the end of the briefing, TDI board members lead eager groups of consumers to visit offices in the U.S. House of Representatives and present information about H.R. 3101. Many consumers shared personal stories about the need for this new law to ensure access to advanced communications, captioning on television programs distributed on the Internet, and communication equipment for people who are deaf-blind. “This was an empowering event,” said Rosaline Crawford, director of the NAD Law and Advocacy Center. “Ordinary people took action by telling their stories about the need for access and asking members of Congress to support and co-sponsor this new law. It was incredible to see grassroots in action.”

During the month of August, members of Congress will be in their home states. Be empowered.

Learn more about H.R. 3101.

Read a one page summary of H.R. 3101 or a section by section summary of 3101.

Take action. Contact your U.S. Representative. Ask about attending an event, such as a town hall meeting with your Representative, or make an appointment to see your Representative in your home state. Ask your Representative to co-sponsor H.R. 3101 to ensure access in the 21st Century.