April 1, 2003 (Vol 3, Issue, 6)

In This Issue:

UPCOMING EVENTS

1. CHI 2003
2. NASCIO Midyear Conference
3. National Capacity Building Institute
4. FOSE Expo
5. E-Gov Knowledge Management
6. 2003 GSA Expo
7. GTC 2003 West

PAST EVENTS

1. Accessibility Forum: Related Materials from the February 2003 Meeting
2. Accessibility Forum: 2003 Strategic Management Council

ARTICLES

1. Election Reform Briefing
2. Technology Eroding the Wall Between Disabled, Non-Disabled
3. NFB of Pennsylvania and Blind State Employees Sue Commonwealth, Governor

FCC TELECOMMUNICATIONS/REGULATIONS

1. Biennial Review Report
2. Order On Reconsideration of Some IP Relay Services
3. Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau' Third and Fourth Quarterly Report on Informal Consumer Inquiries and Complaints
4. Reminder to Make Emergency Information Accessible to Persons with Hearing or Vision Disabilities

FOR YOUR ACTION

1. International Aging, Disability & Independence Conference: Call for Proposals
2. Verizon Foundation Offers $500,000 in Grants to New York Nonprofit Groups

RESOURCES

1. FCC Section 504 Programs & Activities Accessibility Handbook
2. Access Board Makes 508 Standards Available in Other Languages and Formats
3. New Version of Media Access Generator (MAGpie) Released
4. DeafMobile Sidekick
5. Xerox Copier Assistant Makes Digital Copiers more Accessible
6. The AutoCard Manager (ACM)
7. Accessible Practices EXCHANGE

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

1. CHI 2003
April 5-10
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The annual CHI (Computer Human Interaction) conference is the leading international forum for the exchange of ideas and information about computer-human interaction (CHI), also known as human-computer interaction (HCI). CHI 2003 presents 36 tutorials on topics ranging from Usability, Web design, New Technologies and Accessibility. These courses available at CHI 2003 represent the leading edge of current practice and research in Human-Computer Interaction. They have been designed to appeal to researchers, practitioners, newcomers and regulars. For information on curriculum, registration and other details, check the URL: http://www.chi2003.org.

2. NASCIO MIDYEAR CONFERENCE
Succeeding in a Changing Environment
April 6-8, 2003
Pittsburgh, PA

The National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) represents State Chief Information Officers and information resource executives and managers from the 50 states, six U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. Conference topics include State IT Funding and Budget; Seamless Government; Homeland Security Technologies; The Role of the CIO-Chief Information Officer. To view the preliminary agenda and to register, access the URL at: http://www.nascio.org.

3. NATIONAL CAPACITY BUILDING INSTITUTE
Technology and Transition: Empowering Students with Disabilities as they Transition to College and Careers
April 7-8, 2003
Claremont Hotel in Seattle, WA

The DO-IT program (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) of the University of Washington will co-sponsor the Institute, which promises an in-depth discussion about the promise of technology for people with disabilities. The Institute agenda will include pre-Institute readings and online discussion, presentations by nationally recognized speakers, interactive discussion groups, and post-Institute follow-up.

The target audience for the Institute includes secondary school and special educators, administrators and policy makers, secondary and postsecondary career guidance counselors, transition specialists, technology specialists, postsecondary education support personnel, rehabilitation counselors, individuals with disabilities, researchers and other persons interested in access to technology or individuals with disabilities.

For more information access the URL: http://www.washington.edu/doit/Newsflash/nf.03.03.03.html, or contact Velina Sugiyama, National Center on Secondary Education and Transition, Center on Disability Studies at 808-956-5688 or velina@hawaii.edu.

4. FOSE EXPO AND GCN MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE @ FOSE
April 8-10, 2003
At the NEW Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.

FOSE 2003 is the largest information technology exposition serving the government marketplace. Now in its 27th year, FOSE hosts over 400 exhibitors showcasing the newest and most exciting integrated IT products and services. FOSE draws thousands of high-level attendees from the military, civilian, state and local agencies, along with suppliers to government, corporate, education, and healthcare buyers. Experience a high-tech tradeshow set in a NEW high-tech atmosphere. For agenda, exhibitor and registration information access the URL: http://www.fose.com.

5. E-GOV KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT
April 14-16, 2003
Ronald Reagan Building
Washington, D.C.

As standards continue to evolve about how government organizations should collect and share essential information - with heightened emphasis on how to support many pressing national security concerns - there is increasing interest in incorporating Knowledge Management (KM) into government-wide enterprise architectures.

The fourth annual KM 2003 Conference will focus entirely on the emerging and established programs underway across government organizations that serve to integrate the essential components of successful KM initiatives, including E-Learning, Citizen Relationship Management, Information Technology implementation, data warehousing and other related disciplines. For conference schedule, exhibitor and registration information access the URL: http://www.e-gov.com/events/2003/km/.

6. 2003 GSA EXPO
May 6-8, 2003
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
San Antonio, TX

GSA Expo 2003 offers Federal employees and members of the U.S. military over 150 training sessions over 3 days that will provide powerful purchasing knowledge.

Training Tracks for the GSA Expo 2003 include:

• E-Business: GSA Advantage, e-Library, e-Buy
• Procurement: Section 803 & Me, Performance Based Acquisition, Using Schedules Effectively, Ordering through GSA the Easy Way, VA Procurement Reviews, The DOD Purchase Card
• Program Solutions: Airline City Pairs, DLA Logistics Solutions, Information Technology, Engineering and Logistics, Property Disposal, Professional and Financial Services, OGP Transportation Policy Update
• Security, Safety & Health: Safety in the Workplace, Buy Green, Security Solutions, Homeland Security and You, Building Security

For conference schedule, training tracks, exhibitor and registration information access the URL: http://expo.gsa.gov/.

7. GTC 2003 WEST
May 12-16, 2003
Sacramento Convention Center
Sacramento, CA

The Government Technology Conference (GTC) is the largest and most respected technology conference for state and local government. Designed by Government-for-Government, GTC delivers a cutting-edge educational program addressing the most important policy, management and technology issues facing government today. GTC provides an unbiased forum for government professionals and the IT industry to openly discuss and develop solutions for the public sector.

For conference schedule, exhibitor and registration information access the URL: http://www.govtech.net/events/conference.phtml?confid=76.

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PAST EVENTS

1. ACCESSIBILITY FORUM: RELATED MATERIALS FROM THE FEBRUARY 2003 MEETING

To view materials (including meeting overview and presentation materials) from the Accessibility Forum meeting, which was held in Cupertino, CA, February 24-26, access: http://www.accessibilityforum.org/docs/feb_03/index.html.

2. ACCESSIBILITY FORUM: 2003 STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT COUNCIL

The Strategic Management Council is the governing body of the Accessibility Forum. On November 4, 2002 the Accessibility Forum asked for nominations for new council members. The Strategic Management Council is comprised of members from each stakeholder constituency (approximately 4 to 6 E&IT industry representatives, 3 to 4 AT industry representatives, 3 to 4 user advocacy representatives, 3 to 4 government representatives, and 2 to 3 other representatives).. To see the roster of the new 2003 Council members, access: http://www.accessibilityforum.org/council.html.

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ARTICLES

1. ELECTION REFORM BRIEFING

A new report released online reveals for the first time that no states are ready to meet federal mandates for voter identification, statewide voter registration databases and provisional voting - rules imposed with the passage of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA).

HAVA became law last year and received the first wave of funds in February. Its requirements, many of which take effect in less than a year, will require all states to adopt a number of election procedures, including provisional voting, statewide voter registration databases and voter identification requirements. States that choose to participate in a federally-funded punch-card and lever machine buyout will have to purchase machines that adhere to strict minimum standards requiring equipment that detects spoiled or uncountable ballots in voting precincts and allows voters an opportunity to review their entire ballot before casting it.

The research found that no states currently meet all three key requirements of the HAVA: voter identification, provisional voting and statewide voter registration databases.

• 11 states report that they meet one of the requirements; four states (Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana and Pennsylvania), along with the District of Columbia, report meeting two requirements.
• The majority - 35 states in all - report that they meet none of HAVA's requirements.

2. TECHNOLOGY ERODING THE WALL BETWEEN DISABLED, NON-DISABLED

As the aged population grows, tech companies face dual incentives to create assistive technologies. Though much of the impetus is regulatory, profit is also a motive -- 42 percent of people 65 and older have a disability, and that population will grow from 35 million to 59 million over the next 20 years. Technologies such as video relay to facilitate telephone use for the deaf are becoming more prevalent as a result. You can read more about this article by accessing the USA Today, 3-12-03 article at http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techinnovations/2003-03-12-tech-help_x.htm.

3. NFB OF PENNSYLVANIA AND BLIND STATE EMPLOYEES SUE COMMONWEALTH, GOVERNOR

Non February 27th, three blind, Pennsylvania state employees and the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania (NFBP) filed suit against the state and its Governor, Edward Rendell, asserting that the state's multi-million-dollar computer system upgrade for use by all state employees is inaccessible to blind employees and, therefore, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In 2001 the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania entered into a contract with SAP Public Sector & Education, Inc. for the purchase of a new statewide computer system. These computer packages typically include accounting, budgeting, payroll, personnel, and purchasing. The contract to design and implement the computer system over a three-year period was for more than $40 million and is dubbed Imagine PA. When Imagine PA becomes effective all Pennsylvania state employees will keep time and attendance information using the computer system. Employees will track expense vouchers and a host of other functions, including budgeting, accounting, and procurement on the new system, all of which will be inaccessible to the state's blind employees.

Attorney Daniel Goldstein, whose firm represents both the NFB of Pennsylvania and the plaintiffs in this suit, notes that in the technology arena, discrimination against blind people "often begins with the blind being overlooked, follows with them being told to wait, and ends with them being told that, while it would have been inexpensive to make the system accessible in the first place, it is now far too expensive to fix and that they must wait until the next edition of the software." Mr. Goldstein adds, "This suit is intended to try to change that pattern." If successful, the suit will prohibit the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from widening the use of the SAP system until it has been made accessible to all potential users, including the blind.

To read the full NFB press release, access: http://www.nfb.org/coming/pa_sue.htm.

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FCC TELECOMMUNICATIONS/REGULATIONS

1. BIENNIAL REVIEW REPORT

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issues Biennial Regulatory Review Report for the Year 2002.

On March 14th, the FCC issued its biennial regulatory review report for the year 2002. The FCC also concurrently released the 2002 Biennial Regulatory Review Staff Reports (Staff Reports). The Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires the FCC to review the rules issued under the Communications Act that apply to telecommunications service providers to determine whether any regulations are no longer necessary in the public interest due to meaningful economic competition and whether such regulations should be repealed or modified.

The FCC's 2002 Biennial Regulatory Review Report and the accompanying Staff Reports fulfill its statutory responsibility and identify current rules that should be modified or repealed. The FCC will issue Notices of Proposed Rulemaking as appropriate to effectuate the recommendations in the Staff Reports.

Access the FCC's website (http://www.fcc.gov/) to view these reports.

2. ORDER ON RECONSIDERATION OF SOME IP RELAY SERVICES

On March 14th, the FCC issued an Order on Reconsideration for certain Telecommunication Relay Service (TRS) issues.

In this Order, the FCC decided to extend its waivers for the handling of emergency calls, VCO, and STS via IP Relay for a five-year period. The FCC also granted new waivers of five years for TRS minimum standards requiring the handling of 900 services calls and HCO calls. It rejected requests for indefinite waivers, noting that it is in the public interest to ultimately meet these TRS requirements. For each of the waivers, the FCC encouraged providers to undertake ongoing efforts to develop the necessary technology to provide the services that are temporarily waived.

Originally in 2002, the FCC issued an order in which it determined that IP Relay constituted a telecommunications relay service (TRS) within the meaning of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). At the same time that the FCC issued that order, it waived its mandates to provide voice carryover (VCO), speech-to-speech (STS), and emergency call handling via IP Relay for a period of one year. On May 22, 2002, MCI WorldCom filed a petition requesting the Commission to extend these waivers either indefinitely or for an additional five years. On July 11, 2002, Sprint filed a petition requesting the Commission to grant waivers of the FCC's minimum standards requiring the handling of 900 number service and hearing carryover (HCO) calls. Both petitions were released for public notice on July 22, 2002. All of the comments that the Commission received - both from consumers and industry - supported the waivers, although consumers requested that the waivers be limited to shorter time periods.

The FCC directed all of the IP Relay providers to submit to the Commission an annual report "detailing the technological changes in these areas, the progress made, and the steps taken to resolve the technical problems that prohibit IP Relay providers from meeting the TRS mandatory minimum standards waived." To view the decision in Word format, access: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-03-46A1.doc. To view the decision in PDF format, access: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-03-46A1.pdf.

3. CONSUMER AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS BUREAU' THIRD AND FOURTH QUARTERLY REPORT ON INFORMAL CONSUMER INQUIRIES AND COMPLAINTS

On March 20th, the FCC released the report on inquiries and complaints received by the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) during the third quarter of the calendar year of 2002, and on March 27th, the FCC released the report on inquiries and complaints during the fourth quarter of 2002. To view these reports, as well as previous reports, access: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ and scroll to the lower left-hand corner of the page for the links to the quarterly reports.

4. REMINDER TO MAKE EMERGENCY INFORMATION ACCESSIBLE TO PERSONS WITH HEARING OR VISION DISABILITIES

The FCC recently released a Public Notice to remind video programming distributors, including broadcasters, cable operators, and satellite television services, of their obligation to make emergency information accessible to persons with hearing and vision disabilities. Due to current world events, the FCC notes that there may be an increased amount of emergency news programming.

In the case of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, emergency information that is provided in the audio portion of the programming must also be provided using closed captioning or other methods of visual presentation, such as open captioning, crawls, or scrolls that appear on the screen. Emergency information provided by means other than closed captioning should not block any closed captioning, and closed captioning should not block any emergency information provided by means other than closed captioning. The rule regarding access to emergency information for persons with hearing disabilities became effective on August 29, 2000.

Emergency information must also be provided in a manner that is accessible to persons who are blind or have low vision. Specifically, emergency information that is provided in the video portion of a regularly scheduled newscast or a newscast that interrupts regular programming must be made accessible. This requires the oral description of emergency information in the main audio, such as open video description. If the emergency information is being provided in the video portion of programming that is not a regularly scheduled newscast or a newscast that interrupts regular programming (e.g., the programmer provides the emergency information through "crawling" or "scrolling" during regular programming), this information must be accompanied by an aural tone. This tone is to alert persons with vision disabilities that the broadcaster is providing emergency information, and alert such persons to tune to another source, such as a radio, for more information. The rule regarding access to emergency information for persons with vision disabilities became effective February 2, 2001.

This rule and related Fact Sheets summarizing the access to emergency information rules are available at the FCC Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau's website, http://www.fcc.gov/cgb.

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FOR YOUR ACTION

1. INTERNATIONAL AGING, DISABILITY & INDEPENDENCE CONFERENCE: CALL FOR PROPOSALS

The International Conference on Aging, Disability and Independence will bring together researchers, practitioners, business leaders and people involved in aging policy to focus on these issues. The conference will include sessions related to research and development, practice, products and services and policies. Commissioned papers will be published following the conference.

The call for proposals is for the International Conference on Aging, Disability and Independence: Advancing Technology and Services to Promote Quality of Life to be held December 4-6, 2003 in Washington, D.C. Deadline for proposals is 4/15/2003. The conference is hosted by the University of Florida Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technology for Successful Aging and the American Society on Aging, working together with many organizational partners.

For more information, access: http://www.asaging.org/icadi/call/.

2. VERIZON FOUNDATION OFFERS $500,000 IN GRANTS TO NEW YORK NONPROFIT GROUPS

Verizon seeks proposals for workforce development projects that spur regional economic growth.

Nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in New York State are invited to compete for $500,000 in grants offered by Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications. Verizon is soliciting workforce development proposals that help address basic computer literacy skills, support job retention and aid vocational and disability programs in the communities the company serves. The grants, ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, will be announced July 1.

To qualify for funding, applicants must be public or private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a valid Internal Revenue Service tax ID. Schools must have a current National Center for Education Statistics school and district registration to qualify. Nonprofit organizations may also submit applications for "eTraining" grants for staff training in a variety of computer programs. In addition, organizations may apply for "eGrants," which provide $240 toward first-time Internet access for nonprofits.

Proposals must be submitted through the Verizon Foundation Web site, http://www.verizon.com/foundation by May 5. Applicants should click on the New York Workforce Development RFP link. Access the URL for more information.

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RESOURCES

1. FCC SECTION 504 PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES ACCESSIBILITY HANDBOOK

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) acts to ensure that persons with disabilities are able to participate fully in FCC programs and activities by making available a new "Accessibility Handbook," which details uniform procedures for accommodations.

The Section 504 handbook is a collection of guidelines, information, and procedures to ensure that the FCC is accessible to individuals with disabilities. Section 504-federal agencies and other program and activities receiving federal financial assistance cannot discriminate against individuals with disabilities. This handbook is a guide for FCC employees, managers, and all personnel on how to implement Section 504.

At the public announcement of the Section 504 handbook, all the sitting Commissioners and the Chairman endorsed the idea of this manual and they said that it was well done, and long-overdue. Michael Powell, the FCC Chairman, specifically said that he hopes that this manual becomes an example for other agencies and entities, in both the public and private sector to emulate. FCC Commissioner Michael Copps (senior Democrat on the FCC) also praised the manual, and strongly suggested that the FCC will/should be coming out with similar manuals on Sections 501 and 508.

The Section 504 handbook can be found on the FCC Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau's Disability Rights Office's website at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro.

2. ACCESS BOARD MAKES 508 STANDARDS AVAILABLE IN OTHER LANGUAGES AND FORMATS

Recognizing the international interest in access to information technology, the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board), an independent Federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities, has posted on its website translations of its section 508 standards in Spanish and Japanese. The standards, issued under section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, apply to electronic and information technology procured by Federal agencies. They provide specific criteria for computer hardware and software, websites, phone systems, fax machines, copiers, and similar technologies. The new translations are posted on the Section 508 page (http://www.access-board.gov/508.htm).

The Access Board also enhanced the range of available alternate formats by adding a text-to-speech version of the standards that can be downloaded from its site. Known as a Digital Talking Book, this format runs on software that uses synchronized speech and marked-up text files to provide audible output. This format also offers advanced navigational features. In addition, the Board has posted a version of the standards that is formatted for Braille printing. Users can download a copy to their computer for use with a Braille printer. Both of these alternate formats can be accessed via the URL listed above for the Section 508 page.

3. NEW VERSION OF MEDIA ACCESS GENERATOR (MAGPIE) RELEASED

The National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM) announced the release of a new version of its free video captioning software. Version 2.01 of the Media Access Generator (MAGpie) allows users to add captions and audio descriptions to Web-based media, CD-ROM and DVD-ROM multimedia files.

By using the MAGpie software, anyone can add captions and audio descriptions to multimedia files used by programs such as Using MAGpie 2.01, QuickTime, RealPlayer and Windows Media Player. The new software has a number of new features that make it easier and simpler to use.

Captions provide accommodations for people with hearing impairments, allowing them equal access to multimedia. Additionally, captions help people with limited English skills or learning disabilities who may have difficulties in understanding the content in multimedia files. Audio descriptions provide information about the video content of the file to persons with visual impairments.

For more information about MAGpie, or to download a copy of the program, visit the NCAM website at http://ncam.wgbh.org/webaccess/magpie/.

4. DEAFMOBILE SIDEKICK

DeafMobile represents the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community's wireless communication source. The T-Mobile Sidekick device satisfies all personal communication and information needs. It includes Internet browsing, e-mail, AOL Instant Messenger™, two-way text messaging and fun features such as mobile snapshots and games. It all runs on the only nationwide GPRS network, by T-Mobile. Access the URL for more information: http://www.deafmobile.com.

5. XEROX COPIER ASSISTANT MAKES DIGITAL COPIERS MORE ACCESSIBLE

The Xerox Corporation has developed new software that makes it easier for people who are blind or visually impaired to operate a digital copier. They can use the software, called the Xerox Copier Assistant, with a personal computer and the Xerox Document Centre 500 Series multifunction systems to make copies without assistance from others. "The Xerox Copier Assistant provides an alternative to the touch-screen controls typically found on digital office systems, which were a barrier to people who are blind or visually impaired," said A. Gidget Hopf, president and chief executive officer for the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired-Goodwill Industries of Greater Rochester, Inc. Xerox engaged ABVI members to test the Copier Assistant while it was under development. "Much of the final design reflects our feedback," added Hopf.

Xerox Copier Assistant, which sells for $495, features an enlarged on-screen user interface, embedded text-to-speech software, and keyboard navigation buttons including tab, arrow and function keys. The software is loaded onto a PC connected to the Document Centre system. The text-to-speech software talks the user through the copying steps including advanced features such as stapling, collating and two-sided copying. Xerox Copier Assistant software, available April 1, will be sold through the Xerox direct sales force. In addition, Xerox will customize the software for upcoming digital office products as they are introduced. The Xerox Copier Assistant is designed to provide accessibility and ease of use in accordance with Section 508.

For more information visit the Xerox website at: http://www.xerox.com/ or contact Bill Loughlin at 585-427-5940, or william.loughlin@usa.xerox.com.

6. THE AUTOCARD MANAGER (ACM)

Device enables people with disabilities to carry credit cards, currency, emergency medical information and other essential identification.

An innovative aide for daily living could impact money management for persons with disabilities seeking increased accessibility, convenience, and organization. The AutoCard Manager (ACM) is a cross between a business card holder, a wallet, and a money clip and could be used by consumers who have disabilities such as dexterity and mobility challenges, vision impairments, cognitive disorders, and/or communications challenges.

The ACM is small and compact. Six large, sequential buttons protrude from its surface. When activated with a light touch each button gently ejects a specific credit card, medical identification or other identification card that corresponds to the icon button from its slot, which eliminates the need to find and pull the card from a standard wallet. After use, the card can then be re-inserted.

You can read more about the ACM device by accessing the February 15th article of the AT Journal (the latest news and resources in assistive technology) at: http://www.atnet.org/news/feb03/021502.htm. You can also contact ACM Enterprises Inc. at http://www.buyacm.com or by calling 520-909-4471 or 886-216-4622 or by e-mail at info@youracm.com.

7. ACCESSIBLE PRACTICES EXCHANGE

Accessible Practices EXCHANGE is a series of 12 electronic articles providing museums with information, tools, and resources to make their facilities and services more accessible to visitors with disabilities. The series is produced by the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) with funding from the National Science Foundation. Presented in HTML format, each EXCHANGE can be printed out for on-site use and for staff training. To access the series, visit the ASTC website (http://www.astc.org), click on Accessible Practices and then click on EXCHANGE. For more information contact Sally Middlebrooks at: smiddlebrooks@astc.org.

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