TDI submits a large number of filings annually to the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) in areas of structure and practices of the Telecommunication Relay Services (TRS). The FCC is responsible for enforcing federal regulations guaranteeing telecommunication access. TDI consistently monitors and recommends improvements to the telecommunication relay service.

We also rely on our members and consumers to support our efforts by sharing their experiences, as well as reporting any violations of fraud, waste, or abuse of the TRS.

For the FCC to take action on any infractions, a complaint must be made. Visit the FCC’s Consumer Complaint Center to learn more or file a complaint.

TDI sits on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Consumer Advocacy Network (DHHCAN), the FCC’s Disability Advisory Committee, and the Deaf Hard of Hearing Alliance (DHHA), and engages in information sharing collaboration with them to continue improving the TRS.

In addition to our telecommunication filings, TDI also submits numerous filings to the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) in areas of closed captioning of broadcasted shows, including those on the internet, as well as emergency announcements made made via radio waves (cellular phones, radio), and 9-1-1 calls.  TDI also works with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to ensure equal communication access in areas outside of the FCC’s jurisdiction, e.g. in-flight entertainment, pubic and mass transit areas.

The FCC is responsible for enforcing federal relations that guarantees information access via TV, radio, internet and cellular lines. TDI strives to monitor and improve the consumers’ closed captioning experience and full access to emergency and public announcements, but we rely on our members and consumers to support our efforts by reporting any captioning complaints or lack of emergency notifications.

If you experience any issues with closed captioning on TV, you are encouraged to first contact the broadcast station or cable company directly to immediately resolve your concerns. If you feel your issue was not solved or neglected, then escalate it filing a complaint with the FCC’s Consumer Complaint Center. 

If you are not sure who to contact, start with the broadcast station. They will be able to help you determine if the issue is with them or with the cable company. To share a complaint, concern or inquiry about captioning with a broadcast station, you can visit their respective websites. The links below will take you directly to the companies’ appropriate captioning contact person:

TDI advocates for policies promoting universal design technology. TDI also consults with many industry partners to support and advance their accessibly features to ensure all deaf and hard of hearing people are able to independently use their technology.