National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program: NPRM was released January 14, 2011. Comments are due February 4, 2011 and reply comments are due February 14, 2011.

"This page is a digitally archived AccessInfo Announcement"

The 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA) requires that the FCC establish a National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP) to make telecommunications service, Internet access service, and advanced communications, including interexchange services and advanced telecommunications and information services, accessible by low income individuals who are deaf-blind. On January 14, 2011, the Commission released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to implement this deaf-blind equipment distribution program. Comments on this NPRM are due February 4, 2011, and reply comments are due February 14, 2011. This NPRM asks questions regarding how the Commission should set up such a program, consumer eligibility, covered equipment and related services, funding, oversight and reporting, logistics and division of responsibilities, and other considerations. Members of the public are encouraged to provide their feedback in response to the many questions raised in this proceeding.

FCC Chairman Genachowski released the following statement on this NPRM: The Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act was enacted to ensure that people with  disabilities have access to today's communications technologies and services. It is fitting that we begin implementing this law with these proposals to bring the benefits of modern communications to people with low incomes who are both deaf and blind. It is my hope that with access to Twenty-First Century communications services, these individuals will be able to participate more fully in the economic and civic life of our nation.

The Chairman's statement can be found at:
https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-11-3A2.doc
https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-11-3A2.pdf
https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-11-3A2.txt