[vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7NIsLPwBJM” el_width=”50″ align=”center”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1616831032423{background-color: #b7d9f4 !important;}”]OTHER
WC 20-89 — COVID-19 Telehealth Program
[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”COMMENTS” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1616832344145{background-color: #f4d2cd !important;}”][vc_column_text]TDI, along with the tagged consumer groups filed Comments to the Federal Communications Commission, about: Telehealth Program Application Evaluation Metrics
[see below, under Tags: for full list of signatories][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1616830779887{margin-top: 10px !important;}”]URL below is linked to the actual filing document on FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/file/10120033570683/TDI%20et%20al%20Comments%20on%20COVID-19%20Funding%20Metrics.pdf[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Special Thanks to: MORGAN, LEWIS & BOCKIUS[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”blue”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) posted a Public Notice requesting comments on the metrics used to evaluate applications for Round 2 Program funding of its Telehealth program.
We encouraged the FCC to require funding applicants to provide information on how their Telehealth services are accessible to people who are deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, or deaf with mobility issues. We also asked the FCC to prioritize Round 2 program funding for applicants that provide accessible telehealth platforms and directly help the deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, and deaf with mobility issues community.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created communication barriers for people who are deaf and hard of hearing, especially those who are DeafBlind, and with mobility issues. This community often does not have access to timely and accurate information about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many telehealth platforms are not accessible to deaf and hard of hearing individuals. We require access to captions, American Sign Language interpretation, and other services to participate in video conferences for telehealth and telework. Therefore the Commission should prioritize funding platforms that are accessible to the d/hh community.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]