Clear2Connect

Success! We applaud the Federal Communications Commission for setting a new rate structure that WILL permit captioned telephone service providers to sustain "functionally equivalent" services. Equitable and effective communication access is not only critical for hundreds of thousands of Americans with disabilities, veterans, and seniors, but it is also a fundamental right under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Telecommunications Act, and 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act. Thank you to so many of our Coalition members and partners for reinforcing the value and importance of accurate, reliable, and high-quality captions. AccessReady.org | The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) | Black Veterans Empowerment Council Inc. | Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) | Disability Belongs | CSAVR | Global Alliance | National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities | National Council on Independent Living | National Disability Rights Network | The Enlisted Association | World Institute on Disability | Wounded Warrior Project | Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service (IP CTS) Compensation Plan: https://lnkd.in/ezxTf2eh As of July 31, 2024 through June 30, 2029, the Report and Order adopts a five-year compensation plan with annual adjustments for inflation for Communications Assistants (CA)-assisted IP CTS. For the first year, the per-minute compensation rate for Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR)-only IP CTS is $1.17, a 10% decrease, and the rate for CA-assisted IP CTS is $1.35, a $0.05 increase, from the current $1.30 per minute for both formats. The supplemental rate for CA-assisted IP CTS in the first year is $0.21.

BVA, alongside the Clear2Connect Coalition, is calling for the @FCC to consider the value of its Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service (IP CTS) program and the impact lower compensation rates will have on both the organizations that provide this critical service and the more than 600,000 Americans who rely on captions to stay connected.

Urgent Call to Action! The Clear2Connect Coalition, is calling for the Federal Communications Commission to consider the value of its Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service (IP CTS) program and the impact lower compensation rates will have on both the organizations that provide this critical service and the more than 600,000 Americans who rely on captions to stay connected. **The Issue: The FCC is considering lowering compensation formulas to levels that would undermine IP CTS providers’ ability to deliver “functionally equivalent" services—a fundamental right afforded to Americans with communications-related disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010. **Why It Matters: For those who depend on accurate and reliable captions to equitably and effectively access communication, including Deaf and hard of hearing Americans and veterans with hearing loss, the IP CTS program is a lifeline. **Take Action: Learn about IP CTS: https://lnkd.in/ghWBZaV3 Please support our efforts to urge the FCC to consider rates that will sustain the economic viability of IP CTS providers. Their capacity to enhance quality, expand reach, and ensure functional equivalence for all users must continue. Connect with us to learn more about how you can get involved.

FREE webinar Tuesday, June 4th 2024 - 1:00 PM (EDT): Accessibility in the Classroom and Beyond: Meeting IEP Needs with Digital Media Content In today's world, where technology significantly enhances student learning, Special Educators often struggle to address the unique needs of their students. Join Dr. Kurt Hulett, CEO of Spedster, and Cindy Camp from the Described and Captioned Media Program as they discuss the critical importance of providing accessible resources in the classroom. Discover the variety of instructional videos available, covering topics from science concepts to ELA skills, and learn about the distinctive accessibility features offered by DCMP. https://lnkd.in/esgQVjRE

Happy #GlobalAccessibilityAwarenessDay! We love these tips from Employer Assistance & Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN)! How else can we ensure our communities are accessible to all? Share suggestions and resources in the comments!

In honor of #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, The Employer Assistance & Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) is sharing strategies employers can use to support #veterans’ wellbeing. The workplace Mental Health Toolkit highlights effective practices and provides examples of workplace mental health initiatives implemented by a variety of organizations. Read more below 🔽 U.S. Department of Labor

Today, House and Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs leaders Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.), Chairman Jon Tester (D-Mont.), and Ranking Member Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), introduced H.R. 8371, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. This legislation includes a number of bipartisan and bicameral proposals to reform and improve the delivery of healthcare, benefits, and services at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans, their families, and their survivors-- including to increase the accessibility of health care documents for disabled veterans. Please join us in congratulating a number of Clear2Connect Coalition Members who worked hard behind the scenes to move this effort forward! Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) | Wounded Warrior Project | AMVETS American Veterans | Vietnam Veterans of America | TREA: The Enlisted Association | Black Veterans Empowerment Council Inc. https://lnkd.in/eEmXKTym

Check it out! Safewave Technology's smart wristbands connects via Bluetooth to fire alarms, Ring cameras, security devices and more—essentially turning any at-home notification or alert into a vibration you can feel. For people with hearing disabilities, this technology is a game-changer. https://lnkd.in/eG7VuHQq

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Staying in touch with family and friends, attending a telehealth appointment with a therapist, and watching a favorite movie are all ways to practice self-care and elevate our well-being. To ensure all Americans, including Veterans and people with disabilities, can prioritize their mental health, Clear2Connect is committed to advancing the availability, accuracy, accessibility, and quality of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). ICT is a broad term that encompasses many types of devices, tools, and systems that facilitate our exchange of information, including phones, computers, and televisions. https://lnkd.in/eKav7b6S

The Clear2Connect Coalition is a unique force of more than 30 disability advocacy groups and Veterans Service Organizations. United in purpose, this alliance advocates for policymakers to put quality standards and metrics in place to enhance the availability, accuracy, accessibility, and quality of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). ICT is a broad term that includes various devices, tools, and systems, but accessible ICT is particularly critical for all Americans to equitably engage with important information, resources, and services. Achieving equitable communication access is more than a goal—it’s a fundamental human right. By fostering equitable communication access, we aim to safeguard the health and safety of every member of our community. Learn more about the Clear2Connect Coalition at Clear2Connect.org. P.S. This language and graphic - including alt text - are available for you to use to support the Clear2Connect Coalition! Simply copy and paste content to share with your network. https://lnkd.in/gq4H3MCR