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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif""> Hill, Debby (NIH/NIAAA) [E]
<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, June 10, 2015 8:46 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> List 3_BLIND_MICE<br>
<b>Subject:</b> FW: Important FCC Updates<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Good Morning All,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">I got this from the Washington Ear. I thought you might find it interesting. I can’t wait to get an easy way to get to the SAP channel.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Have a good day!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Debby<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""> Sylvia Rosenthal [<a href="mailto:sylvia@washear.org">mailto:sylvia@washear.org</a>]
<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, June 09, 2015 4:22 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> <a href="mailto:sylvia@washear.org">sylvia@washear.org</a><br>
<b>Cc:</b> <a href="mailto:neely@washear.org">neely@washear.org</a><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Important FCC Updates<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Dear Listeners:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and its Chairman have taken several actions recently that we thought you should know about. Below is a list of the actions followed
by detailed information with links to the official documents and statements. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><b><u><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><o:p><span style="text-decoration:none"> </span></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><b><u><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">IMPORTANT FCC ACTIONS<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">1.</span><span style="font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">
</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">FCC Expands Emergency Information Accessibility Requirements<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">2.</span><span style="font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">
</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">FCC Addresses Two Petitions for Waiver of Emergency Information Accessibility Requirements<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">3.</span><span style="font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">
</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler released a set of comprehensive proposals to restructure and modernize the FCC’s Lifeline program in include broadband and make it more available to low-income
consumers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#858585">4.</span><span style="font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:#858585">
</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">FCC proposed rules to make permanent the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP), also called “iCanConnect” <span style="color:#858585"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#858585">5.</span><span style="font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:#858585">
</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:black">iCanConnect Partnership Information</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#858585"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">The first two actions relate to rules adopted by the FCC in 2013, which require emergency information that appears visually during a non-news program (such as in a text crawl
displayed during a regularly scheduled program) to be provided aurally on the secondary audio stream. These requirements stem from the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act, which was signed into law by President Obama in 2010.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">1. FCC Expands Emergency Information Accessibility Requirements<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">On May 21, 2015, the FCC expanded its rules to make sure individuals who are blind or visually impaired get critical details about emergencies shown on television.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">The new rules adopted by the FCC require that emergency information be made accessible on a secondary audio stream on “second screens,” such as tablets, smartphones, laptops,
and similar devices when subscription television providers, such as cable and satellite operators, permit consumers to access scheduled programming over their networks using an app on these devices. In addition, the new rules require that the equipment used
to receive and play back television programming, such as set-top boxes, have a simple and easy-to-use mechanism to switch from the main program audio to the secondary audio stream to hear audible emergency information.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">The FCC also seeks comments on additional issues related to the accessibility of emergency information for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. They will announce
the deadlines for comments and reply comments after the notice is published in the Federal Register.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">The following are links to the Second Report and Order and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Press Release, and the statements of Chairman Wheeler and Commissioners
Clyburn, Rosenworcel, Pai, and O’Rielly. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Second Report and Order and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Word: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-56A1.doc" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-56A1.doc">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-56A1.doc</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">PDF: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-56A1.pdf" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-56A1.pdf">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-56A1.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Text: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-56A1.txt" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-56A1.txt">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-56A1.txt</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Press Release<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Word: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A1.doc" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A1.doc">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A1.doc</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">PDF: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A1.pdf" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A1.pdf">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A1.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Text: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A1.txt" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A1.txt">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A1.txt</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Statement of Chairman Wheeler<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Word: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A2.docx" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A2.docx">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A2.docx</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">PDF: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A2.pdf" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A2.pdf">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A2.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Text: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A2.txt" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A2.txt">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A2.txt</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Statement of Commissioner Clyburn<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Word: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A3.docx" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A3.docx">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A3.docx</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">PDF: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A3.pdf" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A3.pdf">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A3.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Text: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A3.txt" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A3.txt">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A3.txt</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Statement of Commissioner Rosenworcel<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Word: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A4.docx" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A4.docx">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A4.docx</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">PDF: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A4.pdf" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A4.pdf">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A4.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Text: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A4.txt" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A4.txt">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A4.txt</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Statement of Commissioner Pai<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Word: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A5.docx" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A5.docx">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A5.docx</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">PDF: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A5.pdf" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A5.pdf">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A5.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Text: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A5.txt" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A5.txt">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A5.txt</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Statement of Commissioner O'Rielly<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Word: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A6.docx" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A6.docx">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A6.docx</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">PDF: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A6.pdf" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A6.pdf">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A6.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Text: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A6.txt" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A6.txt">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333600A6.txt</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">2. FCC Addresses Two Petitions for Waiver of Emergency Information Accessibility Requirements<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">On May 26, 2015, the FCC’s Media Bureau addressed two petitions that asked the FCC to waive the FCC’s rules requiring emergency information provided visually during non-news
programs to be audibly accessible on the secondary audio stream. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">First, the Media Bureau granted the request of the American Cable Association (ACA) to allow certain digital/analog hybrid cable systems to comply with these FCC’s emergency
information accessibility rules by providing free equipment to their analog service customers who are blind or visually impaired to enable access to the digital service secondary audio stream. It also granted ACA’s request to extend the deadline for compliance
with these emergency information accessibility rules for analog-only cable systems until June 12, 2018.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Second, the Media Bureau granted the request of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) to extend the deadline for broadcasters to comply with the requirement to make
emergency information accessible through the secondary audio stream for six months, until November 30, 2015. The Media Bureau also granted NAB’s request to waive the requirement to aurally describe visual but non-textual emergency information, such as maps
or other graphic displays, for 18 months. Finally, the Media Bureau granted NAB’s request to allow broadcasters to exclude school closings information from the above accessibility requirements while the FCC reconsiders this requirement as part of the Second
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (described in the announcement above).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Links to the Memorandum Opinion and Order<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Word: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-15-632A1.docx" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-15-632A1.docx">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-15-632A1.docx</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">PDF: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-15-632A1.pdf" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-15-632A1.pdf">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-15-632A1.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Text: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-15-632A1.txt" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-15-632A1.txt">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-15-632A1.txt</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">For further information, contact Evan Baranoff, Media Bureau, at 202-418-7142 or e-mail
<a href="mailto:Evan.Baranoff@fcc.gov" title="blocked::mailto:Evan.Baranoff@fcc.gov">
Evan.Baranoff@fcc.gov</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">3. FCC Chairman’s proposals to restructure and modernize the FCC’s Lifeline program to include broadband and make it more available to low-income consumers. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">On May 28, 2015, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler released a statement and blog announcing that he has shared with his fellow Commissioners a set of comprehensive proposals to restructure
and modernize the FCC’s Lifeline program in include broadband and make it more available to low-income consumers. The Lifeline program was established in 1985 to help low-income Americans afford access to telephone services. The proposals for Lifeline reform
specifically recognize the benefits of broadband for Americans, including Americans with disabilities.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">The following are links to the Chairman’s statement and blog:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Statement:
<a href="https://www.fcc.gov/document/chairman-seeks-comment-modernizing-reforming-lifeline-broadband" target="_blank" title="blocked::https://www.fcc.gov/document/chairman-seeks-comment-modernizing-reforming-lifeline-broadband">
https://www.fcc.gov/document/chairman-seeks-comment-modernizing-reforming-lifeline-broadband</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Blog:
<a href="https://www.fcc.gov/blog/lifeline-low-income-americans" target="_blank" title="blocked::https://www.fcc.gov/blog/lifeline-low-income-americans">
https://www.fcc.gov/blog/lifeline-low-income-americans</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">4. FCC proposed rules to make permanent the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP), also called “iCanConnect” <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">On May 21, 2015, the FCC proposed rules to make permanent its program that distributes communications equipment to low-income individuals who are deaf-blind. The National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution
Program (NDBEDP), also called “iCanConnect,” provides equipment, such as Braille-enabled devices, magnifiers, and vibrating alerts, to individuals who are deaf-blind for access to communication services. We will announce the deadlines for comments and reply
comments after the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is published in the Federal Register.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">The FCC also adopted an Order extending the current pilot program one year beyond its June 30, 2015 expiration date, to June 30, 2016.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">The Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act, signed by President Obama in 2010, authorized the FCC to provide up to $10 million annually from the Telecommunications Relay Service
Fund to support the NDBEDP. The pilot program, launched in July 2012, has helped thousands of Americans with combined hearing and vision loss to connect with family, friends, and others in their communities.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">For further information, contact Rosaline Crawford, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Disability Rights Office, at 202-418-2075 or e-mail
<a href="mailto:Rosaline.Crawford@fcc.gov" title="blocked::mailto:Rosaline.Crawford@fcc.gov">
Rosaline.Crawford@fcc.gov</a>, or Jackie Ellington, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Disability Rights Office, at 202-418-1153 or e-mail
<a href="mailto:Jackie.Ellington@fcc.gov" title="blocked::mailto:Jackie.Ellington@fcc.gov">
Jackie.Ellington@fcc.gov</a></span>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">The following are links to the Order extending the pilot program, the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Press Release, and the statements of Chairman Wheeler and Commissioners Clyburn, Rosenworcel, Pai,
and O’Rielly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Order<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Word: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-57A1.docx" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-57A1.docx">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-57A1.docx</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">PDF: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-57A1.pdf" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-57A1.pdf">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-57A1.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Text: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-57A1.txt" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-57A1.txt">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-57A1.txt</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Notice of Proposed Rulemaking<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Word: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-58A1.docx" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-58A1.docx">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-58A1.docx</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">PDF: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-58A1.pdf" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-58A1.pdf">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-58A1.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Text: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-58A1.txt" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-58A1.txt">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-58A1.txt</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Press Release<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Word: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A1.doc" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A1.doc">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A1.doc</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">PDF: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A1.pdf" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A1.pdf">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A1.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Text: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A1.txt" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A1.txt">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A1.txt</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Statement of Chairman Wheeler<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Word: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A2.docx" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A2.docx">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A2.docx</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">PDF: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A2.pdf" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A2.pdf">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A2.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Text: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A2.txt" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A2.txt">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A2.txt</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Statement of Commissioner Clyburn<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Word: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A3.docx" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A3.docx">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A3.docx</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">PDF: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A3.pdf" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A3.pdf">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A3.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Text: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A3.txt" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A3.txt">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A3.txt</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Statement of Commissioner Rosenworcel<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Word: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A4.docx" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A4.docx">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A4.docx</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">PDF: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A4.pdf" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A4.pdf">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A4.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Text: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A4.txt" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A4.txt">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A4.txt</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Statement of Commissioner Pai<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Word: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A5.docx" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A5.docx">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A5.docx</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">PDF: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A5.pdf" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A5.pdf">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A5.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Text: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A5.txt" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A5.txt">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A5.txt</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Statement of Commissioner O'Rielly<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Word: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A6.docx" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A6.docx">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A6.docx</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">PDF: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A6.pdf" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A6.pdf">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A6.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Text: <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A6.txt" title="blocked::https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A6.txt">
https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-333591A6.txt</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;background:white"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:black">5. iCanConnect Partnership</span></b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:black"><br>
<br>
Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind (CLB) is proud to be the <strong><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=1090273930&msgid=31765242&act=152Z&c=57979&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.icanconnect.org%2Fdistrict-columbia" title="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=1090273930&msgid=31765242&act=152Z&c=57979&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.icanconnect.org%2Fdistrict-columbia">official
NDBEDP distributor for Washington DC</a>. </span></strong>To learn more about this FREE government program, visit
</span><strong><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#0066CC"><a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=1090273930&msgid=31765242&act=152Z&c=57979&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iCanConnect.org" title="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=1090273930&msgid=31765242&act=152Z&c=57979&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iCanConnect.org">iCanConnect.org</a></span></strong><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:black">,
or call (202) 454-6422 for details.</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#858585"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Sylvia Rosenthal</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><o:p></o:p></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Listener Services Coordinator</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">The Metropolitan Washington Ear<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><a href="mailto:Sylvia@washear.org" title="blocked::mailto:Sylvia@washear.org"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Sylvia@washear.org</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">
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