| August, 2001 |
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Events
DA 01-1969
FCC TO CONVENE A PUBLIC FORUM AND TECHNOLOGY EXPO ON
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) invites interested persons to a Public Forum and Technology Expo on telecommunications relay services (TRS) on Wednesday, October 10, 2001, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room, Room TW-C305 and adjacent rooms, at 445 12th St., SW, Washington, DC, 20554.
The purpose of this Forum and Expo is for TRS administrators, consumers, providers, and Commission staff to share information on, among other things, current state TRS outreach programs, implementation of a nationwide TRS outreach program, and new TRS technologies. The Forum will offer an opportunity for everyone, including consumers and industry representatives, to exchange ideas with the Commission and TRS administrators and to have their comments become part of the formal public record in CC Docket 98-67. In conjunction with the Forum, the FCC's Consumer Information Bureau will hold a Technology Expo to showcase TRS and other accessibility technologies.
The Forum agenda is tentatively as follows:
9:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. Technology Expo
9:15 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Opening Remarks
TRS is required by Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act (Section 225 of the Communications Act of 1934). TRS now utilizes a variety of services to facilitate telephone communication between persons with hearing or speech disabilities and persons who use voice telephones. Relay services between TTY and voice users utilize a relay operator, called a Communications Assistant (CA), to read what the TTY user types to a voice telephone user, and to type responses back to the TTY user throughout the duration of a telephone call. Speech-to-speech (STS) relay utilizes CAs trained in understanding certain speech patterns to relay conversations for people with speech disabilities. Video relay services (VRS) utilize CAs skilled in sign language to relay conversations for users of American Sign Language.
The Forum will provide an opportunity for a full exchange of ideas on state and nationwide outreach efforts related to TRS. In March 2000, the Commission issued a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM), In the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, CC Docket 98-67, which tentatively concluded that TRS service could be improved with a nationwide awareness campaign that reaches all potential TRS users, including consumers with disabilities, senior citizens who have lost hearing late in life, potential STS users, and the general public. The FNPRM asked for comment about the extent to which a national outreach effort should be supported by the interstate TRS fund and whether the interstate TRS fund administrator should administer the funding for such educational outreach programs. The FNPRM further proposed to amend the mission of the Interstate TRS Advisory Council to include establishing guidelines and a procedure to fund a coordinated national outreach campaign. In August 2000, the Commission also adopted a Second Report and Order in its proceeding on The Use of N11 Codes and Other Abbreviated Dialing Arrangements, CC Docket 92-105, which required common carriers to provide access to all relay services via the 711 dialing code by October 1, 2001. Among other things, that Order directed each common carrier providing telephone voice transmission services to conduct, not later than October 1, 2001, ongoing education and outreach programs that publicize the availability of 711 access to TRS, in a manner reasonably designed to reach the largest number of consumers possible.
To supplement and refresh the record initiated with the March FNPRM, at the Forum we will seek to further identify the guidelines and procedures necessary to fund a coordinated nationwide outreach program. In addition, information will be shared to facilitate ongoing efforts to comply with the August Report and Order mandating 711 outreach. While time constraints limit the number of individuals who may make in-person presentations at the Forum, we encourage all interested individuals to submit written ex parte comments, by October 20, 2001, identifying proposed national outreach guidelines and procedures. Written ex parte comments will aid us in our decision-making with regard to identifying the best means of achieving nationwide outreach on TRS.
Interested parties who choose to file ex parte comments by paper in accordance with Section 1.1206 of the Commission's rules, 47 C.F.R. S1.1206, should file an original and four (4) copies of their comments with the FCC's Office of the Secretary, 445 12th Street, SW, TW-A325, Washington DC, 20554 and should reference CC Docket No. 98-67. In addition, where filings are made prior to August 28, 2001, one (1) copy of those filings should be sent to our duplicating contractor, International Transcription Service, Inc. (ITS), at 445 12th Street, CY B400, S.W., Washington, DC, 20554. Effective August 28, 2001, please use the following address for the duplicating contractor: Qualex International, Portals II, 445 12th Street, SW, Room CY-B402,
You may also file ex parte comments using the Commission's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS). Ex parte comments filed through the ECFS can be sent as an electronic file via the Internet to http://www.fcc.gov/e-file/ecfs.html If using this method, please reference CC Docket No. 98-67 in the Proceeding Block. Generally, only one copy of an electronic submission must be filed. In completing the transmittal screen, commenters should include their full name, Postal Service mailing address, and the applicable docket or rulemaking number. Parties may also submit an electronic ex parte comment by Internet e-mail. To get filing instructions for e-mail ex parte comments, commentaries should send an e-mail to ecfs@fcc.gov, including "get form
The full text of this document is available for public inspection and copying during regular business hours at the FCC Reference Information Center, Portals II, 445 12th Street, SW, Room CY-A257, Washington, DC, 20554. After August 28, 2001, this document may also be purchased from the Commission's duplicating contractor, Qualex International, Portals II, 445 12th Street, SW, Room CY-B402, Washington, DC, 20554, telephone 202-863-2893, facsimile 202-863-2898, or via e-mail qualexint@aol.com.
Those unable to attend the Forum can watch and listen to it live over the Internet through RealAudio from the FCC web site at: http://www.fcc.gov/realaudio or hear it via telephone, for a fee, from National Narrowcast Network, (202) 966-2211 (voice/TRS) or (202) 966-1770 (fax). The Forum also will be live captioned on the Internet. Individuals can send their views and/or questions during the Forum to: TRSFORUM@fcc.gov (e-mail). The e-mails should have the heading, "Ex Parte Comments in CC Docket 98-67." If time permits, views and/or questions received during the Forum via this e-mail site will be addressed at the Forum. These views will be included in the record of the TRS proceeding.
Any hand-outs that are distributed at this meeting from in-person presenters or Commission presenters will be posted on the Internet at the Consumer Information Bureau web page at http://www.fcc.gov/cib Hand-outs will be made available in alternative formats (computer diskette, large print, audio cassette and Braille) to persons with disabilities by contacting Brian Millin at (202) 418-7426 (voice), (202) 418-7365 (TTY), or bmillin@fcc.gov (e-mail).
A transcript of the Forum will be available 10 working days after the Forum on the FCC's Internet site at: http://www.fcc.gov/cib
Sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices and real time captioning will be provided on-site. Please make requests for any additional accommodations to Helen Chang at (202) 418-0424 (voice), (202) 418-0432 (TTY), or FCC504@fcc.gov (e-mail).
For more information about the Forum, please contact Suzanne Perrin at (202) 418-2874 (voice), (202) 418-1085 (TTY), or sperrin@fcc.gov (e-mail); or Pat Chew at (202) 418-0514 (voice) or pchew@fcc.gov (e-mail). For more information about the Technology Expo or how to exhibit at the Expo, please contact Arlene Alexander at (202) 418-0581 (voice), (202) 418-0183 TTY, or aalexand@fcc.gov
FCC
18th Annual Conference & Exhibit Show
Welcome! With great enthusiasm and a dash of Cajun hospitality, we welcome you to the 18th Annual NADD Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana!
This year's theme, Emerging Practices in Dual Diagnosis (and all that Jazz!), challenges us to consider the best current practices, as well as future possibilities, in the field of supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health needs. We are proud to bring you an especially rich conference this year, featuring not only the most experienced presenters, but also those individuals whom we recognize as emerging leaders in our field.
The program is remarkable in that it also includes the most innovative thinking culled from an unusually large number of submissions we received this year. Topics include: new therapies; improving diagnostic practices; supporting sexuality; forensic issues and many more. We are also featuring a topic of particular interest to all of us. That is, helping our clients achieve not only good health but Happiness.
We hope you will also enjoy the many opportunities for networking and making new friends here at the conference. Please say hello to the NADD Board members and express your opinion oh how NADD is serving your needs, as well as your thoughts on the future of our field.
Take time to stroll the French Quarter and enjoy the special moods and foods of New Orleans (and all that Jazz!)
Best Wishes From All of Us at NADD for a Memorable Conference!
Bill Lubart, PhD
For more information:
845-331-4336
Showcasing Excellence in Assistive Technology
The conference serves as a leading forum for a wide variety of professional presentations and discussion about new assistive technology, practical applications, and services. There will be presentations, demonstrations and exhibits in the following program areas: Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Blindness, Computer Access, Electronic Aids to Daily Living, Learning Disabilities, Low Vision, and other Assistive Technology. In addition, computer and technology exploration labs will provide an opportunity to further experiment with and evaluate the latest assistive technology.
ATIA 2002 is for:
At ATIA you will learn about:
Augmentative and Alternative Comunication * Blindness * Computer Access * Electronic Aids to Daily Living * Learning Disabilities * Low Vision * Other AT
For more information:
Shannon Sharpe of the Baltimore Ravens will host the 2001 Gridiron Halloween costume party on October 30, 2001 at the ESPN Zone. For more information please contact Ruth Joyner at 410-837-1800 ext. 141.
Goodwill Industries will host its 46th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Career Fair on November 21 at the Baltimore Convention Center. For more information call 410-837-1800 (www.goodwillches.org)
Please reply no later than October 1, 2001
The Center on Disabilities at California State University, Northridge Presents the Seventeenth Annual International Conference "Technology and Persons with Disabilities". March 18-23, 2002
This is an invitation to present at a major, international conference in the field of assistive technology, which in 2001 drew 4,200 participants from 48 states and 44 foreign countries.
For more information contact:
Bull and Oyster Roast coming September 21, 2001
The Annual Bull and Oyster Roast will be held at Martins Eastwind (9000 Pulaski Hwy, Baltimore) on September 21st from 7 - 11 pm. This fundraiser promises to be the most talked about and exciting gala of the year. Featuring a "Survivors" contest, participants will be "voted off" the dance floor with the winners receiving a HUGE prize! For more information on sponsorship, tickets, or survivor contest rules call Viveca Thomason-Smith at 410-282-5900 ext. 3068. Email info@Allianceinc.org
TRS Forum
August 20, 2001
TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICES
CC Docket 98-67
9:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. TRS Overview
9:45 a.m. - 11:10 a.m. Panels on TRS Outreach
11:20 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Panel on TRS Technologies for the 21st Century
12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Expo Demonstrations (Lunch Break)
1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Open Microphone
3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Expo Demonstrations
Washington, DC, 20554. Additionally, two (2) copies should be forwarded to Greg Hlibok, Consumer Information Bureau, FCC, 445 12th Street, SW, Room 6-A236, Washington, DC, 20554. All filings concerning any of the matters referenced in this Public Notice should refer to CC Docket
98-67.
Transcripts may also be obtained from Qualex International at the phone number and e-mail address listed above. Audio and video tapes of the Forum may be purchased from Infocus, 341 Victory Drive, Herndon, VA, 20170, at (703) 834-0100 (voice/TRS), (703) 834-0111 (fax). Copies of the transcripts in other alternative formats (computer diskette, large print, and Braille) are available to persons with disabilities by contacting Brian Millin at (202) 418-7426 (voice), (202) 418-7365 (TTY), or bmillin@fcc.gov (e-mail).
Emerging Practices in Dual Diagnosis (and all that Jazz!)
October 24-27, 2001
New Orleans, LA
Radisson Hotel, New Orleans
Marc Goldman, MS
Co-chairpersons, 18th Annual Conference
NADD
132 Fair Street
Kingston, New York 12401-4802
800-331-5362
845-331-4569 fax
email: thenadd@aol.com
www.thenadd.org
ATIA 2002 Conference
January 16-19, 2002
Radisson Hotel Orlando
Occupational Therapists * Physical Therapists * Rehabilitation Counselors * Speech Language Pathologists * Teachers * Technology Specialists * Clinical Professionals interested or working in the field of Assistive Technology
Practical applications and uses of the current products, software and technology for:
Gridiron Halloween Party
Thanksgiving, Goodwill
Call for Papers - CSUN
Held at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport and Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotels
Center on Disabilities
California State University, Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street, Building 11, Suite 103
Northridge, CA 91330-8340
Phone: 818--2578 V/TTY
Fax: 818-677-4929
Email: ctrdis@csun.edu
Website: www.csun.edu/cod
Alliance Bull and Oyster Roast