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New Horizons Un-Limited: Frequently Asked Questions: Communication for People with Disabilities
New Horizons Un-Limited Inc.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Communication
National
Q: What Financial Assistance for communication is available for People with Disabilities?
A: There are federal programs that provide financial assistance to people with disabilities in the area of communication:
- The Universal Service Fund for low-income consumers program provides discounts on telephone installation and monthly telephone service to qualifying consumers. For information about this program and to determine whether you qualify for discounts under the Low-Income program:
Q: I would like to see the rules of the FCC change. How can I make my voice heard to the FCC?
A: In order to have your voice heard in an FCC rulemaking proceeding, first read the relevant Notice of Inquiry (NOI) or Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to identify the issues that the FCC is seeking comment on and the deadlines for submitting such comments. (FCC rulemaking documents are posted on the FCC web site along with additional information on how to file comments.) Then send your comments to the Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, Washington, D.C., 20554. Please include on your comments the Docket Number of the proceeding, which may be found at the top of any NOI or NPRM.
Q: What can I do if I feel I am being charged unfairly because of my disability for a service non-disabled people would receive for free?
A: Contact the FCC's Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB)which handles all consumer complaints and inquiries about telecommunications services, including complaints about accessibility for people with disabilities. CGB is home to the Commission's Disability Rights Office (DRO), which monitors the telecommunications industry to ensure that people with disabilities get the same opportunities as everyone else to telecommunicate. This office answers consumer inquiries and helps resolve complaints, from billing problems to telemarketing calls. For information or to file a complaint, consult the FCC web site at www.fcc.gov or call FCC consumer center 1-888 CALL-FCC or (TTY) 1-888-TELL-FCC.
The inquiry and complaint process is user friendly. Consumers can file complaints with the Commission by:
- Including a letter (which can be in Braille, English, Spanish, or any other language), fax, telephone (voice and TTY), and Internet e-mail. In addition, a consumer who uses sign language can send a video tape, and those who prefer can send an audio cassette recording.
- Video and audio tapes should be sent via private mail carriers, such as FedEx or UPS, to avoid degradation caused by regular mail security handling processes.
- Any complaint or inquiry must contain enough information to make it possible for the FCC to contact a manufacturer or service provider to resolve the concern. Include the following when filing a complaint:
- Name and address.
- Phone or TTY number.
- Name and address of the company complained of (and call sign or network affiliation for a broadcast entity).
- Details about the product or service about which the complaint is being made.
- Statement of facts supporting the complaint.
For more on the topic of Communication:
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© Copyright 2002, New Horizons Un-Limited Inc.
[Updated December 31, 2002]
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