What the Signing Into Law of the 21st Century Telecommunications and Video Accessibility Act Means to Me

Today, October 8, 2010 is a hugely important day for me and other people
living with disabilities. President Barack Obama signed into law the 21st
Century Telecommunications and Video Accessibility Act. This culminates a
long, difficult legislative battle. While more work is to be done as the
regulations to implement this legislation are crafted, I want to reflect as
a person who is blind on what today's events mean to me.

With the signing today, in a short time, I will be able to access all of the
features of my cable television system, many of which I pay for but cannot
use. I will be able to access movies on demand, know what programs are on
through the program guide and use a DVR if I want to record something.
Right now, I cannot do these things because they require the use of
on-screen menus that are not accessible to me as they are not available
using speech output.

Today's signing means that soon, when there is an emergency I need to know
about, I won't just hear the 'beep beep beep'[ on television and have to
scramble to find out what is going on. The emergency information, whether
it be about a tornado, hazardous materials spill, flood or whatever, will be
made accessible to me so I can learn of and react to it as quickly as my
sighted neighbors and friends.

Today's signing means that soon, I will have more choices in cell phones
which will be accessible to me right out of the box, where I can use all
features and functions, download cool apps and other things. Gone will be
the days of having to pay an extra $300 just to have full access to a cell
phone's features and functions.

Today's signing means that it won't be long before my wife and I can sit
down in our living room, watch a good movie or television show and know what
is going on thanks to the provision of video description. Furthermore, in a
few years, when we travel to visit friends in such places as Southern
Wisconsin, Central Illinois and others, we can sit down together and watch a
movie or favorite show and know what is going on, as video description will
be required in the top 60 media markets.

Today's signing means that the next time I have to buy something such as a
VoIP phone, or even a home theater system, I won't have to find a sighted
friend or neighbor to set it up for us as this process will be accessible.

Today's signing means that if, god forbid, my Father's hearing worsens, he
will be able to go out and have many choices in cell phones which will all
be hearing aid compatible. He won't have to rely on the knowledge of a
store employee or someone else to tell him, don't get phone A, but phone B
works good.

Finally, today's sining means that many people with whom I work and whom I
care about who are deaf-blind will be able to purchase the
telecommunications equipment they need in order to become less isolated,
gain employment, and truly participate in American society.

I am proud to have been one of the many advocates who worked hard to bring
us to this special day. Just about eight months ago, I was not sure we'd
ever see this day happen. Thanks to the tireless work of many people, we
did.

So, let's take a little time to celebrate this historic accomplishment. And
then, let's prepare to work hard to make sure this landmark legislation is
implemented correctly through regulations and that it's promises are truly
realized.