Who's in the Disability Rights Office?
Editor: Ever wonder who works in these offices that are supposed to
be looking out for us? Trudy Zahn, a late-deafened subscriber, wondered,
and she followed through with a letter. Here is her story about the FCC
Disability Rights Office. Thanks to Trudy for this great information.
You may contact her directly at zahn@primary.net with questions or
comments.
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Getting To Know The FCC Disability Rights Office
by Trudy Zahn
Recently I read an article about the FCC (Federal Communications
Commission) publishing the rules for close captioning digital
television. I became curious as to how the FCC knows what Deaf and HOH
people want in regard to closed captioning. I wondered if the FCC even
cared about what Deaf and HOH people want.
I had previously visited the FCC web site and found it filled with a
great deal of technical information about requirements and other things
that, quite frankly, made no sense to me at all, because I know nothing
about the subject.
But I do know about being Deaf, and I do know what I want in regard
to closed captioning. As I read the information provided on the FCC web
pages, I started to form a mental picture of who I thought was
"running the show" at the FCC. In my mind, I could see of a
group of scientists, who were brilliant people, but (I feared) had
little or no experience with communications barriers. I didn't see any
Deaf people.
I became concerned that my mental picture might actually be accurate
and that these imaginary "brilliant but uninformed" scientists
were making rules that govern my access to television, radio, Internet,
wireless services, etc.
I saw an email address for the FCC Disability Rights Office on one of
their web pages, so I decided to contact them and find out whether or
not I had reason for concern. Here is part of what I wrote.
"I would like to know how many people make up the Disabilities
Rights Office and how many of those people are disabled. I would also
like to know the nature of the disabilities, if any, that are
represented and number of each one.
"Can you also tell me how the Disability Accomplishments under
Chairman Kennard, mentioned on your web site, were chosen to be
implemented? Were they were voted on by someone, was any consulting
done, were they were approved by someone, etc.? Please inform me of the
person or persons who were involved also. Thanks so much."
Karen Peltz Strauss, the Chief of the FCC Disability Rights Office,
sent the following reply:
~~~~~~
Dear Ms. Zahn:
Currently, our Disability Rights Officer has approximately 6
individuals. Of these individuals, one is blind, one is the parent of a
child with severe cerebral palsy, and one is alternate format specialist
(does Braille and interprets). In addition, this office consults with
other FCC employees (in other divisions) who have disabilities (are
blind or deaf) on disability-related matters.
All of the rules that the Commission develops on disability issues
are prepared in close consultation with the disability community. On a
regular basis, we meet with representatives from the National
Association of the Deaf, American Council of the Blind, Self Help for
Hard of Hearing People, Inc., Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc.,
American Foundation for the Blind, United Cerebral Palsy Association,
and many, many more groups. I myself, am not in the Disability Rights
Office - rather, I oversee the office as the Deputy Bureau Chief of the
Consumer Information Bureau. Prior to coming here, I worked at Gallaudet
U. for 11 years, and then at the NAD for 4 years. I can assure you that
we NEVER make final decisions on matters affecting the disability
community without consulting members of that community first.
I hope that this answers your inquiries.
Karen Peltz Strauss, Deputy Bureau Chief, Consumer Information Bureau
~~~~~~
According to Ms. Strauss, out of approximately 6 people, only one has
a disability, one is the parent of a disabled child and one is an
alternative format specialist (I'm not sure what that is). There is no
Deaf or HOH person. I'm not sure I like that.
On the other hand, she mentions that they consult with
representatives from the various disability organizations as well as
with other FCC employees who have disabilities. I like that a lot.
I'm glad to know that they do those things and Ms. Strauss worked at
Gallaudet for 11 years, and then at the NAD for 4 years. I feel better
knowing that they NEVER make final decisions on matters affecting the
disability community without consulting members of that community first.
Now, when I think of the FCC Disability Rights Office, I no longer
see "brilliant but uninformed" imaginary scientists running
the show.... but I don't see any Deaf or HOH people either.
