AFB Teleseminar about CVAA

You're Invited!--AFB Teleseminar
Using the New Landmark Communications Law:
What You Need to Know to Have Access to Today's Advanced Communications Technologies

Monday, November 14, 2011, 2:30 p.m. Eastern


For further information, contact:

Mark Richert, Esq.
Director, Public Policy, AFB
(202) 469-6833
MRichert@afb.net

To implement the Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) signed into law by President Obama on October 8, 2010, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently released comprehensive new rules giving life to this new landmark law. Among many other important features, the CVAA is intended to ensure that people with disabilities will have dramatically broader access to today's advanced communications services, such as electronic messaging, video conferencing, and so-called non-interconnected voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) services and technologies. The new law is the result of extensive advocacy and negotiation with the telecommunications and information technology industries and has the potential to revolutionize the communications marketplace for people with disabilities, but only if we hold ourselves, industry, and the FCC accountable for keeping the new law's promise. To discuss what the law and the new rules require and how to best use them to make sure that customers with disabilities can finally take full advantage of the wealth of choices in today's technology-rich society, AFB is hosting a 90-minute teleseminar on Monday, November 14, at 2:30 p.m. Eastern open to all who may be interested.

Join AFB Public Policy Center staff and guests to learn

• What devices and services (including hardware and software) are covered by the new rules.

• What companies are expected to do and the flexibility they have under the new rules to get the job done.

• Under what circumstances may companies not have to provide accessible products and services.

• How do customers with disabilities resolve problems with inaccessibility using the FCC complaint process.

• What standards will the FCC apply in evaluating consumer complaints and assessing companies' claims that accessibility is not achievable.

• What's next on the FCC's agenda to implement the CVAA, and how can you help.

To participate in this free AFB teleseminar, dial the toll-free number below a few minutes before the prompt 2:30 p.m. Eastern start time on Monday, November 14:

1-866-939-3921

Participants should reference the "American Foundation for the Blind--New FCC Rules" conference call when the operator asks you to identify yourself and the call you wish to attend.

Stay tuned to AFB-DC for additional analysis of the new rules and how they will benefit people with disabilities, particularly those living with vision loss.