FCC EAAC Releases Survey on 9-1-1 Emergency Services

The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Emergency Access Advisory Committee (EAAC) released an online survey to determine the best technologies and methods by which people with disabilities may access the next generation of 9-1-1 emergency services systems. The survey asks questions about accessing emergency services via video, text, and voice. This is an important issue for deaf and hard of hearing people since the 9-1-1 system has historically been inaccessible or difficult to access.

Can you imagine a 9-1-1 system where you can contact a 9-1-1 operator through text, instant message, or even directly through the video phone? All of this may be possible. Please take the survey and make sure that the views of deaf and hard of hearing individuals are well represented. Your responses will shape the next generation of 9-1-1 emergency services systems.

Sheri Farinha, CEO of NorCal and Region IV NAD Board member, is the NAD representative on the EAAC.

This survey went online on March 16, 2011 and will be available until April 24, 2011. Time is of essence, please share this posting with your family/friends.

Link to the survey in English and ASL:
http://fcc.eaac.sgizmo.com/s3 [2]

Link to the survey in Spanish:
http://fcc.eaac-es.sgizmo.com/s3 [3]