News & Filings
All Recent Articles
Fireside Chat with TDI and FCC
Fireside Chat with TDI and FCC. On Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at 1:00 – 2:00 pm Eastern, TDI will discuss issues with key staff from FCC's Disability Rights Office. Topics discussed include: Affordable connectivity program Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS)...
FCC Acts To Ensure Access To Communications Services For Incarcerated People With Disabilities
TDI agrees and we were overjoyed when we learned that on September 29, 2022, the FCC Chairs have passed the Rates for Interstate Inmate Calling Services, WC Docket No. 12-375, Fourth Report and Order and Sixth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (September 29, 2022). What does this mean? This recent order affirms the right to access communications for deaf and people with disabilities while incarcerated. FCC now requires all communication access providers who are eligible for TRS funds in any correctional facility that has broadband connection and a part of the carceral system with more than 50 incarcerated people to have to provide access to all relay services including VRS; as well as point to point video calls using ASL.
FCC Improves Emergency Alert System Messages
Emergency Alert System Messages. As I sign this video, Hurricane Ian has ravished our coastal cities and wreaked havoc. How can we ensure accessible communication services will be available? Our FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said, “it is important to know that when we turn on the television screens to get information about an impending weather event or other disaster there is both a recorded EAS message and a text crawl.” TDI agrees. On Sept. 29th, FCC updated their Emergency Alert Systems to require EAS participants to check to make sure they have the most updated technology available that provides detailed information.
TDI Board Announces CEO Resignation
TDI Board Announces CEO Resignation. The TDI Board of Directors announces TDI CEO Eric Kaika’s decision to transition away from the role of CEO effective October 1, 2022. Kaika notified TDI of his resignation earlier this week and continues in a consultative role to support the transition. Kaika noted, “While I certainly will miss working at TDI, I look forward to the new career opportunities before me as well as spending additional time with my family. I am deeply grateful for the extraordinary experience over the past six years. TDI has played an invaluable role in my life.”
FCC Filing: The Next Gen TV and Advanced Television Systems
The Next Advanced Television Systems technology is coming soon! TDI, with the support of the Samuelson-Glushko Technology Law & Policy Clinic, has been monitoring its progress. Several Accessibility Advocacy and Research Organizations have partnered with us to ensure continued accessibility in next generation technology.
TDI’s Policy Comment Filings
FCC Filing: The Next Gen TV and Advanced Television Systems
The Next Advanced Television Systems technology is coming soon! TDI, with the support of the Samuelson-Glushko Technology Law & Policy Clinic, has been monitoring its progress. Several Accessibility Advocacy and Research Organizations have partnered with us to ensure continued accessibility in next generation technology.
FCC Filing: Interoperable Video Conferencing Services
Interoperable Video Conferencing Services Accessibility Advocacy and Research Organizations. TDI, along with the listed consumer groups below, filed a comment to the Federal Communications Commission's Public Notice. This filing regarding the interoperable video...
Ex Parte FCC Filing: Accessibility Coalitions
Supporting Accessibility Coalitions. TDI met with various organizations in several groups and submitted ex parte letters to the Federal Communications Commission related to accessibility concerns. The critical importance of accessibility in children's programming...
FCC Filing: Application of Global Caption, Inc. as Provider of Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service
HLAA, with the assistance of TDI's legal representation, filed a comment to the Federal Communications Commission about Global Caption, Inc.'s application for the certification as a Provider of Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service. Internet Protocol...
FCC Filing: Application of Rogervoice for Certification as a Provider of IP Captioned Telephone Service
IP Captioned Telephone Service: Rogervoice's Application for Certification Hearing Loss of America (HLAA), with the assistance of TDI's legal representation, filed a comment to the Federal Communications Commission about Rogervoice's application for certification as...
FCC Filing: Application of NexTalk For Certification as a IP Captioned Telephone Service Provider
Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), with the assistance of TDI’s legal representation, filed a comment to the Federal Communications Commission expressing their concerns about the Commission’s approach to reviewing and approving the ASR-based provider certifications. Specifically, IP Captioned Telephone Service Provider certifications. In previous comments with similar ASR-provider certification applications, we continued to raise concerns related to minimum requirements that ASR providers should have included available information for ASR offerings to the public. NexTalk is the next one that we currently see that is similar to previous applications.
The Latest on TDI’s Programs
TDI Accepting Applications for its 2022 Scholarship Program
Now in its fourth year, the TDI Communication Access Scholarship Program is accepting applications. This program is available to all deaf and hard-of-hearing students graduating from high school this year. The scholarship application encourages deaf and hard-of-hearing students to innovate and bring forth ideas for addressing the communication challenges that the deaf and hard-of-hearing community faces.
TDI 2021 Holiday Party!
You are invited to the TDI 2021 Holiday Party. We will celebrate the holidays with us and for a great year in partnerships and collaboration with consumer groups, industry, and government officials. TDI 2021 Holiday Party Thursday, December 16, 2021, 6-9 PM at the...
TDI Apple Product Giveaways!
Once you are done with both surveys, you are automatically eligible to participate in the drawing for Apple product giveaways! We will give away Apple products such as iPad Air, Apple air tags, Apple Watches, Apple gaming switch, and much more! Only a dozen winners...
Complete Two TDI 24th Biennial Conference Surveys
Complete Two TDI 24th Biennial Conference Surveys! We saw about 300 registrants at our TDI 24th Biennial Conference! We knew there were some technological hiccups here and there and we will work on them for our next conference. Still, we heard some good compliments...
The Conclusion of 2021 Biennial Conference
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image="4693" img_size="Full"][vc_custom_heading text="The Conclusion of 2021 Biennial Conference" use_theme_fonts="yes"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image="4973" img_size="thumbnail "][vc_column_text]TDI...
2021 TDI Biennial Awards
[vc_section css=".vc_custom_1498536538982{padding-top: 45px !important;padding-bottom: 45px !important;}"][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image="4656" img_size="900x900" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]TDI’s Awards ceremony was hosted during its biennial...
TDI Board
TDI Welcomes Curtis Humphries as a TDI Board Member
The TDI Board of Directors is happy to announce Curtis Humphries' selection as a member-at-large. "Curtis' acceptance of this appointment is a source of great honor for the TDI Board of Directors. He has had a long, storied career in telecommunications and business...
Matt Myrick Steps Down from TDI Board of Directors
Matt Myrick Steps Down. After six years, Matt Myrick steps down from his role as member-at-large on the TDI Board of Directors to accept a position with WarnerMedia. In a letter to the TDI board, Myrick wrote, “I feel lucky to have volunteered with you since 2016. I will always champion TDI’s cause. I look forward to seeing your future accomplishments in supporting the hearing, deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened and DeafBlind communities.”
TDI Announces New Board Members: David Coco and John Kinstler
TDI is pleased to announce the appointment (and re-appointment) of two board members. David Coco, of Austin, Texas representing the central region of the United States. And John Kinstler of Madison, Wisconsin representing the midwest region, respectively. "I am...
Call for Nominations: 2021 TDI Board of Directors
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]TDI is seeking nominees for its board of directors to serve a four-year term (2021 - 2025) from the following regions: Central - a representation from the following states: Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New...
News From Our Affiliated Partners
FCC Announces Appointment of Membership for Fourth Term of Disability Advisory Committee
The Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) announces the appointment of members for the fourth two-year term of the Commission’s Disability Advisory Committee (DAC or Committee) and announces the first meeting of the new DAC term. The...
Accessibility Advocates Draft Accessibility Agenda for 2021 FCC Transition Team
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In consultation with Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. (TDI), the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), the American Council of the Blind (ACB), the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), and the...
Charter Supporting Students, Schools & its Communities
As we continue to feel the impact of COVID-19, Americans are relying on high speed broadband more than ever before. Charter wants to do what it can to help ease the strain during this challenging time, particularly for students who are relying on distance learning....
AAPD Shares Action Alert — Congress: Include People with Disabilities in COVID-19 Relief!
As disability right advocates, you’ve made countless calls to your elected officials. You know how to make your voice heard. Now, we need you to do something different: use email and social media to tell your members of congress, Mitch McConnell, Chuck...
Job Opportunity: Virginia Relay Manager
Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH) is looking to fill a lead position for direct oversight of the federally mandated Telecommunications Relay Service (Virginia Relay). The Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH) works to...
Congratulations to the Newly Elected Officers of DHHCAN
TDI shares its congratulatory remarks to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Consumer Advocacy Network (DHHCAN) for its recent elected on new term officers for their executive board. Chairperson Zainab Alkebsi of NAD, Vice President Eric Kaika of TDI, Secretary Marcia Zisman...
FCC-related news
FCC Acts To Ensure Access To Communications Services For Incarcerated People With Disabilities
TDI agrees and we were overjoyed when we learned that on September 29, 2022, the FCC Chairs have passed the Rates for Interstate Inmate Calling Services, WC Docket No. 12-375, Fourth Report and Order and Sixth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (September 29, 2022). What does this mean? This recent order affirms the right to access communications for deaf and people with disabilities while incarcerated. FCC now requires all communication access providers who are eligible for TRS funds in any correctional facility that has broadband connection and a part of the carceral system with more than 50 incarcerated people to have to provide access to all relay services including VRS; as well as point to point video calls using ASL.
FCC Improves Emergency Alert System Messages
Emergency Alert System Messages. As I sign this video, Hurricane Ian has ravished our coastal cities and wreaked havoc. How can we ensure accessible communication services will be available? Our FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said, “it is important to know that when we turn on the television screens to get information about an impending weather event or other disaster there is both a recorded EAS message and a text crawl.” TDI agrees. On Sept. 29th, FCC updated their Emergency Alert Systems to require EAS participants to check to make sure they have the most updated technology available that provides detailed information.
TDI ENDORSES CONTINUANCE OF ROSENWORCEL AS FCC CHAIR
FOR MEDIA RELEASE Contact: Eric Kaika [email protected] TDI ENDORSES CONTINUANCE OF ROSENWORCEL AS FCC CHAIR Jessica Rosenworcel has been approved to continue serving as FCC Chair Washington, D.C. [December 9, 2021] — On December 7, Jessica Rosenworcel was...
Advocates Press FCC for Functional Equivalence
This article is reprinted with permission of Warren Communications News. Do not further redistribute without written permission from Warren: www.communicationsdaily.com, 202-872-9200 or [email protected] Original article can be found at:...
FCC Extends COVID -19 Waivers of Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Rules
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 national emergency, the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (Bureau) of the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) extends the temporary waivers of certain rules governing telecommunications relay services (TRS) through August...
FCC Announces Appointment of Membership for Fourth Term of Disability Advisory Committee
The Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) announces the appointment of members for the fourth two-year term of the Commission’s Disability Advisory Committee (DAC or Committee) and announces the first meeting of the new DAC term. The...
Industry-Related News
Verizon is prepared to serve customers during COVID-19 crisis
Our fiber optic and wireless networks are meeting the shifting demands of customers and continue to perform well. Offering new affordable internet plans for low-income households. Qualified customers can purchase Fios 200/200Mbps home internet service for just...
Charter Supporting Students, Schools & its Communities
As we continue to feel the impact of COVID-19, Americans are relying on high speed broadband more than ever before. Charter wants to do what it can to help ease the strain during this challenging time, particularly for students who are relying on distance learning....
Comcast Announces Comprehensive COVID-19 Response to Help Keep Americans Connected to the Internet
Company Opens Xfinity WiFi Network Nationally for Free, Offers Unlimited Data for Free, Confirms Its Commitment to Connecting Low-Income Families PHILADELPHIA – March 13, 2020 – On the heels of offering new, low-income Internet Essentials customers two months of free...
Comcast Offers ASL Customer Service
Comcast and CSD partnered to launch customer service support in ASL for all Comcast products and services including Xfinity Internet, Internet Essentials, and billing related questions. This new service called "ASL Now" is made possible by Connect Direct, a subsidiary...
Comcast Expands Internet Essentials
Comcast announced that its Internet Essentials program – the largest, most comprehensive, and most successful broadband adoption program for low-income Americans – has been expanded to include all qualified low-income households in its service...
Conclusion of the 2019 TDI Biennial Conference
TDI hosted its 23rd Biennial Conference at Kellogg Conference Center and Hotel on Gallaudet University. It was a record-setting event with over 300 people registered for the three-day event. The Biennial Conference hosted speakers representing various parts of the...