Petition the FCC for Vid-STS

Step 1. - Describe the person(s) who could benefit. That person could be you.

Step 2. - Check off two or three talking points (See below) that would be helpful to them.

Talking Points for VID-STS Petition for Rulemaking 12-2011

1. The proposal comes from a tiny non-profit run by consumers. That means that the motivation is obviously consumer protection rather than profit.
   
   
2. Many consumers have such poor speech that they cannot be understood unless the listener can combine verbal and facial cues. For that reason, VID-STS will be the first technology that will allow them telephone access.
   
   
3. The delay in requesting this technology stems from the lack of political power of potential users. Speech disability by nature limits the ability to advocate. Speech disability is often concomitant with other disabilities which prevent them from being advocates.
   
   
4. The petition is supported by many potential users, family members, allied medical professional and industry representatives.
   
   
5. People with speech disabilities should benefit from the fruits of the internet, just like people with other disabilities.
   
   
6. Many users communicate with a voice output computer called an Augmentative and Alternative Communication device. An AAC user will have the option of sharing the screen of the AAC device with the CA. This will give the CA additional information if they are having trouble understanding the AAC device. Many of these users will be able to communicate effectively with the CA if they can use this option.
   
   
7. A large portion of potential users are impoverished because the severity of their disability prevents them from becoming employed. We encourage the FCC to work with other government organizations, such as the US department of Health and Human Services, to establish programs which would identify and train potential users as well as provide PCs and internet access.
   
   
8. VID-STS can potentially lead to employment for many users because telephone access is generally a prerequisite to obtaining employment and carrying out job tasks.
   
   
9. Potential users of STS include people with Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s, ALS, and other speech disabilities.
   
   
10. VID-STS can provide access to emergency services not available to many potential users now.
    
    

Step 3. - Describes your relationship to AAC users or other people with speech disabilities.

  I would use this service

  I have a family member who would use this service

  I am an allied medical professional and I have a client who could use this service

Step 4. - Give us your name, address, telephone and email.

First Name:


Last Name:


Street Address:


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