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Solita Griffis
From: John O'Rourke [jorourkev@comcast.net]
Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 20102:44 PM
To: dro
Subject~ Comments in CG Docket No. 10-213
Expires~ Sunday, June 05, 2011 1:00 AM
21st Century Telecommunications Act Comment
John O'Rourke
702 East Marrietta Street,
Decatur Illi nois. 62521
217-330-6447
Mobile: 217-412-1559
To FCC:
21st Century Telecommunications Act Comment
This comment was not designed as an inclusive statement regarding the entire legislation. It is simply the
statement of one consumer who uses and has trained individuals on adaptive software and hardware devices.
This comment can only address very basic issues confronting the growing number of people with disabilities
specifically blind and visually impaired citizens. This comment will address a few salient issues that visually
impaired customers face daily and discuss possible solutions.
The lines between computers, mobile phones, televisions and internet enabled devices have been gradually
blurring. This trend will continue. It is not too far into the distant future when the television remote becomes
the most sought after (CPE) module in the home. The 21st CenturyTelecommunications Act should improve and
strengthen telecommunications among Section 255 of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, Title III ofthe ADA and
Section 504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
The two principle devices to be used in the home and/or business will be the so-called Set Top Box and the
accompanying remote. The set top box should contain at the minimum large display magnification and speech
output enabling blind and visually impaired people to operate the box and the accompanying remote. The set
top box in conjunction with the remote should allow users to access program guides, make necessary choices
and set times, alarms and any user settings available to people without visual challenges.
Included in the (CPE) devices should be interaction between a users selected PDA, the Remote and the set top
box or cable box.
Another method of accessing data from a cable system through a set top box may also develop through Smart
Phones. The Apple Iphone 4 does allow users to operate a set top box through the
Iphone menus. This capacity though available is not always evident through the Iphone or smart phone manual.
12/7/2010
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In addition, man users of set top boxes with visiual impairments cannot afford the expense of an Iphone and
accompanying insurance. Therefore, the remote or the set top box should contain minimal capacity to perform
these functions.
The use of a PDA though an additional source is not applicable in all situations due to the cost of a PDA with
applications for visually impaired individuals.
Clearly the most effective solutions are very low cost methods that are readily achievable by cable systems,
remote and set top box manufacturers.
At this point, I can only offer suggestions and comments. Technology is progressing at such a rapid rate, today's
solutions will be antiquated upon development and implementation. Since I learned the email method of filing
comments became available, there was not sufficient time to develop a more lengthy and cogent response to
this vital communications issue. In essence, these are just a few random thoughts and perspectives for the
consideration of the FCC.
John O'Rourke
12/7/2010