News

The Telecommunications Access RERC (a partnership between the Trace Center and Gallaudet University) submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission related to IP-Enabled Services and E911 Requirements for IP-Enabled Service Providers. The RERC explains how the FCC can ensure that people with disabilities who are now using IP-enabled telecommunications (including VoIP) will have access to […]

The State of the Science Conference on Accessible Emergency Notification and Communication in Washington, D.C., on November 2-3, 2005, is now open for registration. This conference is presented by the Telecommunications Access RERC, a joint project of the Trace Center and Gallaudet University. Registration deadline is October 25, 2005.

A new public working draft of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 (WCAG 2.0) as well as five supporting documents was published on June 30, 2005 and is available for review. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines Working Group (WCAG WG) invites you to comment on these documents. Additional details, including instructions for submitting comments, links […]

Trace Center Director Gregg Vanderheiden was one of three expert panelists for an interactive web conference on accessible voting, sponsored by EASI. Access the archived conference. More about Trace’s work on accessible voting

The Telecommunications Access RERC (a partnership between the Trace Center and Gallaudet University) submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission related to Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities. The RERC recommends that the FCC set standards for video, audio, and text in relay services; permit the use of […]

The first fully accessible paging and information system has been deployed at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. This groundbreaking system was developed by ARINC Incorporated, a leader in transportation communications and systems engineering, and implements Trace’s EZ Access technology. Airport visitors will now be able to send and receive messages at Paging Assistance Locations, or […]

2,500 post offices around the U.S. are unveiling new self-service kiosks that have incorporated many of the Trace Center’s EZ® Access techniques for accessibility. Deployed in Wisconsin just in time for the busy holiday season, these Automated Postal Centers enable customers – including many who have disabilities – to mail packages (including many with special […]

The Telecommunications Access RERC (a partnership between the Trace Center and Gallaudet University) submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission related to uniform access to emergency alerts by people with disabilities. Many of the methods suggested by the RERC for addressing this issue could also result in faster, more reliable alerting of the general population.

The Telecommunications Access RERC (a partnership between the Trace Center and Gallaudet University) submitted extensive comments to the Federal Communications Commission related to the need to formally mandate accessibility of IP-enabled communication services (e.g., Voice over IP). This will ensure that people with disabilities, including older Americans, can realize the significant benefits that such services […]

Visitors to the new World War II Memorial will find the names and service information about friends and family members who participated in the war effort using touchscreen kiosks that incorporate the work of the Trace Center. The kiosks, located in the information plaza of the new Memorial, were developed by Eagle Collaborative Computing Services […]

On May 7, 2004, Trace Center Director Gregg Vanderheiden presented at the FCC’s VoIP Solutions Summit focusing on the ability of persons with disabilities to access services increasingly based upon IP (Internet Protocol) technologies.

“Within Our Reach: Findings and Recommendations of the National Task Force on Technology and Disability” is a comprehensive set of recommendations that support effective public policy, are good for business, and most importantly, advance the use of universal design (UD) and assistive technology (AT). Trace Center Director Gregg Vanderheiden served as a member of the […]

The 2004 Harry Murphy Catalyst Award was presented to George Kerscher at the CSUN Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference on March 16, 2004. This biennial award is presented by the Trace Center to honor those who bring people together and facilitate the efforts of others in the field of technology and disability. Past award […]

The New Millennium Research Council has released its report: The Future of Internet Phone Calling: Regulatory Imperatives to Protect the Promise of VoIP for Industry and Consumers. Included is a chapter by Trace Center Director Gregg Vanderheiden that explains the accessibility issues related to VoIP and calls for FCC regulation to ensure that VoIP does […]

The FCC held a forum on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) December 1, 2003 to gather information concerning advancements, innovations, and regulatory issues related to VoIP services. Trace Center Director Gregg Vanderheiden presented information and recommendations regarding accessibility of VoIP, on behalf of the Telecommunications Access RERC.