NAD News
This lists all Latest News items from the NAD and its affiliates. It also includes news items from outside groups on topics that are in line with the mission of the NAD. Media queries: please use our Contact form.
On Tuesday, October 20, 2009, the NAD will participate in an all-day Federal Communications Commission (FCC) workshop to further address broadband accessibility for people with disabilities as part of the development of a National Broadband Plan.
This FCC workshop will discuss accessibility and affordability barriers faced by people with disabilities, opportunities that broadband can present people with disabilities, and policy recommendations to address these barriers and maximize opportunities.
H.R. 3101, the “Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2009,” was introduced by Representative Edward J. Markey [MA-7] on June 26, 2009. As of October 7, 2009, we have 13 co-sponsors. [Update: as of January 26, 2010, we have 26 co-sponsors.]
We need more - especially from those who have Representatives that serve on the House Subcommittee on Communications, Internet & Technology.
The NAD, along with other consumer groups, urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to take action to ensure sufficient access to information about communications services and products and to provide greater outreach and education to consumers, service providers, and manufacturers about accessibility issues. Reply comments in this proceeding can be filed until October 28, 2009.
Think about the last time you wanted to get telephone service, Internet service, or subscription TV service from a cable, satellite, or phone company. Did you get all of the information you needed? Was the information easy to get? Could you access the information? Was there information you did not get, but wanted or needed to get? The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) wants to know more about your experience, so you can be empowered and better protected. Comments are due by October 13, 2009.
On October 7, 2009, representatives of the NAD attended a special Congressional Tribute: The Dedication of the Statue of Helen Keller. This event provided opportunities to recognize the significant life and achievements of Helen Keller and opportunities to highlight the need for continued efforts to ensure equal access and equal opportunity – especially in today’s world of advancing technologies.
On September 9, 2009, the National Association of the Deaf requested that Netflix provide a captioned version of “The Wizard of Oz” movie that Netflix made available online, for free, for everyone on October 3, 2009. Netflix disregarded the NAD request along with thousands of letters, emails, comments, and tweets urging Netflix to caption the movie. Today, the NAD expressed its dismay at the lack of any response from Netflix and its failure to make this 70th anniversary celebration of “The Wizard of Oz” accessible to 36 million deaf and hard of hearing viewers.
The Director of the NAD Law and Advocacy Center, Rosaline Crawford, along with other representatives from consumer organizations served on a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) workshop that discussed 10-digit local phone numbers for VRS and IP Relay users and the November 12, 2009 deadline for consumers to register for their numbers.
Over 100 people are now registered for the 2nd Annual NAD Leadership Training Conference, to be held October 29-November 1, 2009 at the Hyatt at Capitol Square in Columbus, Ohio. Take advantage of the new deadline for conference registration and hotel reservations, now extended to October 9, 2009.
Four state associations from Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma worked together to host the Midwest DeaFest to benefit the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) on Saturday, August 8 in Branson, Missouri. Held at the Pointe Royale Resort and Clubhouse at a central location between all four states, the Midwest DeaFest served up a delicious Southern style dinner amid a cozy environment that was enjoyed by all who attended.
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) continues its partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to bring important tax information reaches the deaf and hard of hearing community. The new IRS YouTube ASL Channel includes a growing collection of American Sign Language (ASL) videos featuring Tax Tips, Recovery and related topics including the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
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