World Institute on Disability applauds FCC for accessible broadband

The WID press release:

The World Institute on Disability (WID) applauds the Federal Communications Commission's National Broadband Plan for recognizing the importance of broadband access for millions of people with disabilities in the United States.

"While a National Broadband Plan is a significant step forward to ensure full economic and civic participation by people with disabilities in the United States, it is also a significant step forward to ensure that millions of Americans with disabilities will be able to fully participate in a global economy," stated Anita Aaron, World Institute on Disability’s Executive Director. "Clearly, a great deal of work must be done to realize this dream. Full and ongoing engagement of government agencies, information and communications technology companies and industry associations, international standards setting bodies and disability organizations is essential. We all must have a seat at the table."

The plan recommends that the Executive Branch convene a Broadband Accessibility Working Group to coordinate federal efforts to maximize broadband adoption by people with disabilities. The Federal Communications Commission should also establish an Accessibility and Innovation Forum for manufacturers, service providers, technology companies, and others to learn from consumers about their needs, to share best practices, and to demonstrate new products, applications, and assistive technologies needed to harness the potential of broadband.

The federal government should also ensure the accessibility of digital content by having the Department of Justice amend its regulations to clarify the obligations of commercial establishments under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act with respect to commercial websites--a necessary element for people to reach full economic inclusion.

"The truth of the matter is that access to technology and broadband services are disproportionately empowering for people with disabilities," said WID Deputy Director, Thomas Foley.

Neil Jacobson, CEO of Abilicorp and WID board member stated, "Simply put, access to broadband means access to jobs." Mr. Jacobson knows first-hand the power of technology. Access to technology enabled him to lead Wells Fargo's Technology Information Group before retiring in June 2008, overcoming many of the attitudinal barriers about disability that exist in today's workplace. Jacobson’s company, Abilicorp, is dedicated to providing job opportunities for people with disabilities.

The World Institute on Disability, co-founded in 1983 by global disability rights leaders Ed Roberts, Judith Heumann and Joan Leon, is committed to economic and social inclusion for people with disabilities worldwide.