This inaugural summary highlights what the NAD has done for the period of February 27-March 10, 2010. Use the URL next to the title of individual news or blog items to see the full story/feature.
NAD Issues Call for Recognition Award Nominations (March 10, 2010)
http://www.nad.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=246&qid=641954
The NAD Board of Directors invites nominations for Recognition Awards to be presented during the 50th Biennial NAD Conference to be held July 6-10, 2010 in Philadelphia, PA. Click on title for submission instructions; all award nominations must be received at NAD no later than Monday, April 12, 2010; late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted after this date.
Local 10-digit Numbers Are Superior to Toll Free Numbers (March 10, 2010; video included)
http://www.nad.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=253&qid=641954
Since November 2009, all VRS and IP Relay users have local 10-digit numbers. The NAD believes that local 10-digit numbers for VRS and IP Relay users are superior to personal toll free numbers (800 or 866 numbers). However, many VRS and IP Relay users still have two numbers – a local 10-digit number and a toll free number. This was not the goal of the local 10-digit numbering plan. The NAD encourages VRS and IP Relay users to use their local 10-digit numbers and stop using personal toll free numbers.
Update on Toll Free Numbers (March 10, 2010; video included)
http://www.nad.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=254&qid=641954
The NAD, working with TDI and other consumer groups, advocated strongly for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to allow people to use VRS and IP Relay toll free numbers (800 or 866 numbers) the same way hearing people use toll free numbers. Today, as a result of these efforts, all calls to VRS and IP Relay toll free numbers are connected. The FCC will review and may develop new policies for toll free numbers.
NAD Briefs Broadband and Cable Lawyers about H.R. 3101 (March 8, 2010)
http://www.nad.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=247&qid=641954
Rosaline Crawford, director NAD Law and Advocacy Center, presented information about the “Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2009” (H.R. 3101) at the “Broadband and Cable Industry Law 2010” seminar sponsored by the Practicing Law Institute (PLI). Crawford also represented the Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology (COAT). The NAD is a founding and steering committee member of COAT.
NAD to Participate in National Broadband Plan Events (March 8, 2010)
http://www.nad.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=248&qid=641954
On March 9 and 10, the NAD took part in Federal Communications Commission (FCC) events related to the National Broadband Plan. Participants will discuss how the recommendations in the National Broadband Plan now being developed by the FCC will address the accessibility and affordability barriers faced by people with disabilities. The conference will explore the role of innovation; the need for legal, policy, and regulatory changes; and the importance of collaborative problem-solving and open government processes.
NAD Announces CEO Application Period Has Closed (March 5, 2010; video included)
http://www.nad.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=249&qid=641954
The CEO Search Committee is now in the process of reviewing and will soon interview applicants; three finalists will be recommended to the NAD Board by this July. The finalists will be available during the 50th Biennial NAD Conference in Philadelphia July 6-10, 2010 to interact with everyone, meet with stakeholder groups, and give a public presentation. Make plans now to be in Philadelphia this summer!
NAD Responds to “The Who” Super Bowl Lyrics (March 5, 2010; video included)
http://www.nad.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=250&qid=641954
In 1969, the British rock group “The Who” recorded a two-record album titled “Tommy” which has a song entitled “Pinball Wizard.” The refrain to this song is: that deaf, dumb and blind kid / sure plays a mean pinball! “The Who” played this song during Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010, which was closed-captioned. Many of us saw these lyrics for the first time and reacted negatively – why is this song being played in this day and age? We must collectively be vigilant and ensure that we are not described in a derogatory way.
NAD Commends Google Roll-Out of Automatic Captions (March 4, 2010)
http://www.nad.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=251&qid=641954
All YouTube videos in English that have a clear audio track can now be automatically captioned. While Google’s speech-to-text automatic captioning service is far from perfect, the NAD applauds Google’s commitment to access. This feature is an excellent tool that makes the process of captioning videos much easier. Video owners can download the auto-generated captions, correct them, and then upload the accurate captioning file. Alternatively, video owners can upload a transcript and use Google’s auto-timecode feature that automatically matches the transcript to the audio file to produce captions.
NAD to Advocate for ASL at EHDI Conference (February 27, 2010)
http://www.nad.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=252&qid=641954
Representatives from the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) attended the 9th annual Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EHDI) Conference March 1-2, 2010 in Chicago, IL. NAD participation in this year’s EHDI Conference is a part of an ongoing effort to educate EHDI professionals on the importance of American Sign Language (ASL) in the language acquisition of deaf and hard of hearing babies. The NAD will stress the importance of involving deaf and hard of hearing people in all aspects of EHDI programs and services. Such participation is essential to ensure that every family gets the appropriate care, balanced information/resources, and support services that they need.
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The National Association of the Deaf
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