FCC Broadband Field Hearing on Access for People with Disabilities

The Federal Communications Commission has scheduled a field hearing at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. on November 6, 2009 on disabilities access issues as part of its effort to gather information from experts and consumers for the development of a National Broadband Plan. Commissioner Michael Copps will host the hearing, and the public is encouraged to attend and participate. Additional information on the agenda, facilities and accommodations will be announced shortly. The field hearing on disability access issues is one of several field hearings and staff workshops that the FCC is conducting to promote dialogue between the FCC and the public on the development of a National Broadband Plan. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 directed the FCC to submit a National Broadband Plan to Congress by February 17, 2010 that addresses broadband deployment, adoption, affordability, and the use of broadband to advance solutions to various national priorities. The hearing will provide an opportunity for discussion of the many ways people with disabilities are affected by broadband deployment and adoption from panelists and the public.