Broadband for America

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I recently attended a field hearing held by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on the topic of “Broadband Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities” on Friday November 6, 2009, held at Gallaudet University in Washington DC. This field hearing was part of the FCC’s effort to gather information from subject matter experts and consumers as they develop a National Broadband Plan to be sent to the US Congress by February 17, 2010. It was initiated by FCC Commissioner Copps who has always been a staunch supporter of disability issues. (View Copps photo from event here)

I was delighted to hear Commissioner Copps, who spearheaded this field hearing on disability, state "Access denied is opportunity denied..."  Similar stirring statements were made by FCC Commissioners Clyburn and McDowell.

My understanding is that this National Broadband Plan will include many elements of broadband connectivity and will likely address availability in regard to geographic, age, gender, socio-economic, racial, and age issues.  For  me, of course, it’s important that people with disabilities are included.

I firmly believe this national plan must also include a principle of inclusion that would speak directly to the accessibility and usability of broadband for people with disabilities. The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) has sent this concept over to the FCC into the docket where we discuss what we mean by such a non-discrimination principle.Read more