FCC launches equipment distribution program for people who are deaf or blind
July 5, 2012
The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau launched the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP) on July 1, 2012. The program assists people with low-incomes and who are deaf-blind to access communications services as mandated through the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA).
The NDBEDP will ensure that qualified individuals have access to the Internet, and advanced communications, including interexchange services and advanced telecommunications and information services. The FCC designated an organization in each state to receive support for the local distribution of equipment. These organizations also will have primary oversight and responsibility for compliance with program requirements for its state, and will perform outreach, individual assessments and training and equipment installation and maintenance. The organization for Ohio is the Ohio Deaf-Blind Outreach Program which received $300,667 in funding.
For more information: National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program
See also FCC's public notice: Commission Announces Launch of the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program