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Equal Access to 21st Century Communications Act Passed by Senate

On August 5th, 2010, the Senate passed the Equal Access to 21st Century Communications Act (S3304). The House passed its version (the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act, HR3301) on July 26th, 2010.

The new legislation helps to close the digital divide for individuals with sensory disabilities.

Some highlights include:

• Requiring captions for television content that appears online.
• Mandating mobile phone companies make Web browsers, text messaging and email on smart phones fully accessible where feasible.
• Providing $10m in funding each year for assistive technology for deaf-blind individuals to access relay services.
• Requiring the phase-in of video description for the top TV and cable channels in the most populated markets.

Learn more at www.coataccess.org

Hamilton CapTel(r) Launches New Captioned Telephone Services in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts


For the First Time, Captioned Telephone Services Are Now Available for Individuals who are Hard of Hearing


AURORA, Neb., July 28, 2010/PRNewswire/ -- Hamilton CapTel and Hamilton Relay, a division of Hamilton Telecommunications, today announced that, starting August 1, for the first time captioned telephone services will be available to the residents of Massachusetts. Now, individuals who are hard of hearing will be able to "see what they say" on the telephone and not miss a word of their telephone conversations.

"Captioned telephone service has never before been available in the state of Massachusetts and we are thrilled to finally be able to offer this service to meet consumer demand," said Frank Pozniak, Executive Director of the State 911 Department. "This service is unprecedented in our state and we have worked for years to make captioned telephone a reality for those who need it. As a result of legislation passed in 2008, starting today we are delivering enhanced technology options to make lives easier for those individuals in Massachusetts who are hard of hearing. This truly is an important milestone for our state and we are happy to be a part of this groundbreaking offering."

Captioned telephone is similar to closed captioning on the television. Using a CapTel phone and a standard telephone line, users can listen and read what the other person on the telephone is saying to them on a large, bright screen. Captions are available in English or Spanish. The CapTel phone is free to Massachusetts residents who qualify, ensuring that everyone who may benefit from Hamilton CapTel will have access to the service.

"Relay services for individuals who are hard of hearing have been available in Massachusetts for years," said Monna Wallace, Director of Programs for the State 911 Department. "We are now taking the next step forward by delivering captioned telephone services throughout the state. We are excited to add Hamilton CapTel to our list of available relay services, addressing the requests of many users throughout the State."

For more information about how to access Hamilton CapTel and apply for a CapTel phone in the state of Massachusetts, please call toll-free,1-800-300-5658. Or you can find out more about Hamilton CapTel on-line at: www.HamiltonCapTel.com or www.MassRelayEDP.com.

"We are thrilled to offer this service in Massachusetts and to deliver freedom and greater independence for individuals who have difficulty hearing on the telephone," said Dixie Ziegler, vice president of Hamilton Relay. "Captioned telephone exists because every call is important. Our mission is to provide users with a top quality telephone experience, eliminating the frustration of trying to understand what is being said during a call."

About MassRelay

MassRelay is a 24/7 service that enables people using a standard telephone to communicate with people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or have difficulty speaking. CapTel service in Massachusetts will be funded by the E911/ Disability Access surcharge that is assessed on landline and wireless phones, and is part of the disability access program administered by the State 911 Department.

About Hamilton CapTel

Hamilton CapTel is a service of Hamilton Relay, a division of Hamilton Telecommunications, a diversified communications and technology services provider based in Aurora, Neb. Founded in 1901, HamiltonTelecommunications has grown to encompass eight primary company divisions allowing Hamilton to operate on a local, regional and national basis. For more information about Hamilton CapTel, please visit: www.hamiltoncaptel.com.

CapTel is a registered trademark of Ultratec, Inc.

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New Technology Translates Lectures into Sign Language

By Stephanie Steinberg
Michigan Daily Staff Reporter On February 3rd, 2009

For most students, a laptop or a college-ruled notebook is enough to get through most lecture classes at the University. For hearing impaired students, the process is much more challenging. They need both a translator to transcribe the lecture and then extra time to read through the notes once class is over.

Using a cell phone, two University students have a plan to completely change the way hearing impaired students attend class.

Jason Gilbert and Judy Yu, graduate students in the College of Engineering’s Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences, have developed a system that translates sign language into speech using cell phone technology. They say that their invention, Mobile Sign Language Systems (MSigns), will revolutionize communication for the hearing impaired.

Read the complete story at this Michigan Daily web page.

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