Commission to Study the Funding and Distribution of Teletypewriter and Other Telecommunications Equipment for People with Disabilities
Agenda
January 6, 1998, 9:00 a.m., Room 134, State House
9:00 a.m. Review of the meeting summary from December 16th and preview of the agenda and expectations for this meeting (Commission and Panel)
9:15 p.m. Panel discussion on outreach, access, and funding mechanisms for the use and distribution of TTY and other telecommunications equipment for persons with disabilities (Commission and Panel)
Invited panelists include:Joel Schifman, Public Utilities Commission;
William Black, Public Advocate Office;
and David Stockford, Department of Education
Topics for Panel Discussion:
· Awareness and outreach programs for both the relay service and TTY distribution program to children and the elderly, particularly in rural areas;
· Access to TTY equipment for disabled populations, including provisions of the 1997 Telecommunications Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act related to access;
· Telecommunications funding mechanisms and subsidy practices, including a review of existing subsidy practices and emerging issues related to funding mechanisms; and
· The use of, or demand for, TTY and other telecommunications equipment by disabled populations in other states.
10:30 a.m. Public Hearing
11:45 p.m. Recap discussion and issues for next meeting (Commission and staff)
12:00 p.m. Adjourn
Tentative Schedule of Future Meetings
Tuesday, January 6, 1998
9:00 a.m., Room 134, State House