September 5, 2014

On August 20, 2014, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) extended the deadlines for submitting comments and reply comments to assist the FCC in establishing rules to make the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP) permanent.  The new deadlines are September 5, 2014 for comments, and September 19, 2014 for reply comments.

Background: 
The NDBEDP is a program that the FCC established as directed by the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA).  The NDBEDP provides funding for the distribution of equipment used for accessing telecommunications, advanced communications services, and the Internet to low-income individuals who are deaf-blind.  The NDBEDP has been operating as a pilot program since July 1, 2012.  The rules governing the pilot program will expire on June 30, 2015.  In a Public Notice released on August 1, 2014, the FCC invited feedback on ways that it can make the NDBEDP more effective and more efficient.  This feedback will help the FCC establish rules to continue the NDBEDP as a permanent program when the pilot program ends.

Links to the Public Notice:
The Public Notice includes instructions for filing comments.  If you need assistance filing comments or more information, please contact Jackie Ellington at 202-418-1153 or Jackie.Ellington@fcc.gov, or Rosaline Crawford at 202-418-2075 or Rosaline.Crawford@fcc.gov, of the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Disability Rights Office.
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