(Today’s guest is John Lee Clark. He is DeafBlind.)
Translation:
My name is John Lee Clark. This video is about VRS reform.
As you know, the FCC’s efforts to reform VRS has gotten a lot of attention. The FCC’s investigations, new rules, and legal actions revolving around the VRS industry are all wrong. Why?
Because deaf-blind people still have no telecommunications access. ADA states clearly that deaf and hard of hearing people must have access to the telephone. That was twenty years ago, and we deaf-blind people still have no access. We’ve given the FCC many ideas, many nudges, but so far the FCC has ignored us. In 2007, I was part of the team that proposed the use of CFs–communication facilitators–who would interpret calls by tactile means. The FCC received over three hundred comments from the deaf-blind community. Despite support for this idea, the FCC has yet to respond.
And the FCC continues to tinker and fiddle with other services–VRS, VCO, etc. without giving any access to telecommunications to deaf-blind consumers?
Enough is enough. It’s time for the FCC to attend to us deaf-blind people first.
Hi, that’s right!, equal access & rights for all, period
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I both agree and disagree with you.
AGREE: I agree they need to take care of the needs of deafblind people NOW.
DISAGREE: I don’t think the actions of the FCC are wrong. They need to sort out existing services. I think they need to add more people and start working on deafblind services without leaving anyone in the lurch. Frankly, with all the talk lately about creating jobs, this should be seen as the perfect opportunity to make some.
I understand your plight. I’m legally Deafblind but probably a long way from resorting to Communication Facilitators for important purposes like making VRS calls. I’m curious why you’re making this situation as all (keyword: all) wrong solely (?) based on FCC’s ignoring the Deafblind population which deserves equal consideration? Personally, I find FCC’s crackdown on TRS/VRS fraud, including illegitimate calls made by VRS employees from their work and and home, to be among the best thing that ever happened demonstrating to both deaf and hearing persons in this how things should be done. As you may have acknowledged deep down the real problem is error within the design of certain declaratory rulings by the FCC. This is why there are deaf and hearing masterminds resorting to loopholes and rationalizing in form of lies. Within the topic of Deafblind persons–I agree FCC isn’t doing anything. I find this just as equally disgusting as sighted Deaf people not helping the Deafblind.
My last sentence may or not be taken out of context. “I find this just as equally disgusting as sighted Deaf people not helping the Deafblind.”
I don’t mean “helping” as if the Deafblind is helpless. The right term is “supporting” whenever the situation calls for it. The Deafblind should support the Deaf in return. Two wrongs doesn’t make one right. =)
Hello I would like to express your comments, you are absolutely correct! I am in the research trend focusing on universal design on any forms of technology including in education. We believe if the universal design approach is not presented in telecommunication products or service, it fail to meet any individuals need therefore VRS services are not UNIVERSALLY DESIGNED. I am a strong supporter in Universal Design. I agree with you, there should be some type of address in this service for you and other individuals telling FCC to comply!