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Advocacy Needed: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed cutting the rates for Video Relay Service (VRS). Please join us in asking the FCC not to make these cuts but instead provide a fair, stable, and predictable VRS rate for the next three years.
Why is this important: Anyone who has used Video Relay Service (VRS) knows that it has greatly improved the way individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and who use American Sign Language communicate with the hearing world. This communication system is equal to a voice telephone service. However, approximately 90% of individuals who are deaf still do not have access to VRS. Right now we need to expand access rather then cut access to this important communications technology. (LEAP’s Job Link Program has VRS and it has proven to be a valuable tool for the young people in our program).
Fair, stable and predictable VRS rates will: Encourage providers to serve more individuals who are deaf and to do more outreach to consumers who would benefit from this technology; provide interpreter training to meet consumer need; improve service/technology, and help the country meet the ADA requirements for a functionally equivalent telecommunications system for persons who are deaf or hearing impaired.
E-Mail or Write to the FCC:
Chairman Kevin Martin
Commissioners Adelstein, Copps, McDowell, and Tate
Federal Communications Commission
Re: CG 03-123
445 Twelfth Street SW
Washington, DC 20554
Comment Need to be received by the June 30, 2007 deadline.
If you need more information or have questions please contact us using the information below. Also if you do respond to this advocacy alert, please email me at dnebel@leapinfo.org so that I know who responded. Thank you for your advocacy and support for persons in our community who are deaf or hard-of-hearing
Translate this page into Spanish made available by http://www.freetranslation.com
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