Washington, DC (November 13, 2015) – Today, the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), CTIA – The Wireless Association®, Competitive Carriers Association (CCA), Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TDI), and National Association of the Deaf (NAD) announced a consensus proposal to enhance benchmarks for wireless hearing aid compatibility (HAC) regulations.
The consensus proposal, submitted late yesterday in a letter to the FCC, is the result of months of dialogue and collaboration between the wireless industry and advocates for those with hearing loss. The new proposal outlines a phased approach to increase HAC benchmarks for wireless handset manufacturers and carriers over the next eight years.
James Reid, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, TIA said: “In recent years, significant improvements in hearing aid compatibility for wireless handsets have been made due to industry’s innovation and collaboration with the accessibility community. This consensus proposal is another example of the commitment of wireless handset manufacturers and carriers in this area. Along with our industry partners and accessibility advocates, TIA urges the FCC to adopt this proposal that will provide the flexibility needed for industry to continue to innovate and grow, while diligently working to meet the needs of consumers with hearing loss.”
Scott Bergmann, Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, CTIA said: “CTIA is grateful for the collaborative efforts undertaken by the wireless industry and advocates for the deaf and hard of hearing to come to a consensus agreement on hearing aid compatibility that is a true win-win-win for consumers, the FCC and the wireless industry. This proposal puts industry on a path toward achieving the shared goal of making all wireless devices accessible to persons who are deaf or hard of hearing while recognizing the important role that innovation plays in ensuring all consumers have access to devices that meet their needs. The wireless industry's commitment to accessibility already resulted in HAC compliance that exceeds the FCC's existing rules, and CTIA looks forward to continuing to work with the Commission, consumer advocates and industry partners to further advance this goal.”
Rebecca Murphy Thompson, General Counsel, CCA said: “CCA has long supported the goal of all wireless handsets being HAC compliant, and we are pleased to have joined the hearing loss community, along with CTIA and TIA, to devise a consensus proposal that strives to accomplish that goal. In particular, the signatories commit to pursue 100% HAC compliance in a reasonable timeframe while also taking into account innovations that can benefit all consumers, including individuals with hearing loss, rural Americans and low-income consumers. We thank the Commission for the opportunity to submit the consensus proposal and look forward to continued discussions to accomplish our shared commitment to providing accessible wireless services and equipment to all Americans.”
Anna Gilmore Hall, Executive Director, HLAA said: “The FCC consensus letter for HAC phones is an historic agreement. It is the first time in 12 years – since the adoption of any rules for hearing aid compatibility with wireless phones – that we have seen further benchmarks and greater oversight and accountability in this area. What has been accomplished between the FCC, HLAA, TIA, CTIA, CCA, NAD and TDI is the result of a tireless effort over many months to ensure this was brought to fruition. HLAA would like to especially recognize FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler in this effort, who has made access to telecommunications for people with disabilities a hallmark of his tenure.”
Claude Stout, Executive Director, TDI said: "We deeply appreciate the Commission’s work on the proposed Hearing Aid Compatibility requirements. We look forward to working with industry to implement the Commission’s eventual requirements toward 100% compliance. This will be an additional part of our unified goal toward reaching universal design for all Americans. Individuals without disabilities get benefits, too from the design/manufacturing and standards development processes such as curb cuts and captioning decoder capability on TV sets and computers.”
Howard Rosenblum, Chief Executive Officer, NAD, said: "The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is pleased that the wireless industry positively engaged with consumer advocates in reaching this historic agreement. This is an important step towards achieving 100% hearing aid compatibility for phones and we look forward to continued collaboration on this issue."
The FCC will consider an NPRM on wireless hearing aid compatibility at an opening meeting on November 19, 2015.
About CTIA-The Wireless Association
CTIA-The Wireless Association® (www.ctia.org) represents the U.S. wireless communications industry. With members from wireless carriers and their suppliers to providers and manufacturers of wireless data services and products, the association brings together a dynamic group of companies that enable consumers to lead a 21st century connected life. CTIA members benefit from its vigorous advocacy at all levels of government for policies that foster the continued innovation, investment and economic impact of America’s competitive and world-leading mobile ecosystem. The association also coordinates the industry’s voluntary best practices and initiatives and convenes the industry’s leading wireless tradeshow. CTIA was founded in 1984 and is based in Washington, D.C.
About CCA
CCA is the nation’s leading association for competitive wireless providers and stakeholders across the United States. The licensed service area of CCA’s more than 100 carrier members covers 95 percent of the nation. Visit www.competitivecarriers.org.
About the Hearing Loss Association of America
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), founded in 1979, opens the world of communication to people with hearing loss through information, education, support and advocacy. HLAA produces the Walk4Hearing® in 22 cities across the country, publishes the bimonthly Hearing Loss Magazine, holds annual conventions (Convention 2016 is in Washington, DC, June 23 - 26), advocates for the rights of people with hearing loss, conducts educational webinars, and has an extensive network of chapters and state organizations across the country. For more information, visit hearingloss.org.
About Telecommunications for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing (TDI)
TDI is a consumer advocacy organization that provides leadership in achieving equal access to telecommunications, media, and information technologies for 48 million Americans who are deaf and hard of hearing. TDI publishes the TDI World quarterly magazine and the annual TDI National Directory & Resource Guide, also known as the Blue Book. In odd numbered years, TDI hosts a biennial conference where consumers, industry leaders and government officials gather to discuss accessibility trends in technology. For more information about TDI and to support its work, visit TDI's website at www.tdiforaccess.org.
About NAD
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is the nation's premier civil rights organization of, by and for deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States of America. Visit www.nad.org.
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Accessibility
Wireless Industry and Accessibility Advocates Reach Consensus on Enhanced Hearing Aid Compatibility for Wireless Handsets
Nov 13, 2015