That will be the format of the next FCC Open Meeting, on the schedule for May 21, 2015. The latest Sunshine Notice provides details on the two lone agenda items, both of which involve access to electronic communications for deaf and blind individuals.
The meeting will kick off at 10:30 AM eastern.
One item will provide for the distribution of equipment for needy individuals, and the other concerns making emergency information available on second screens.
Here, from the FCC, are the details:
CONSUMER & GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS BUREAU
TITLE: Implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, Section 105, Relay Services for Deaf-Blind Individuals (CC Docket No. 10-210).
SUMMARY: The Commission will consider an Order to extend the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program and a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to permanently extend the program. The program provides up to $10 million annually from the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Service Fund to support programs that distribute communications equipment to low-income individuals who are deaf-blind.
MEDIA BUREAU
TITLE: Accessible Emergency Information, and Apparatus Requirements for Emergency Information and Video Description: Implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (MB Docket No. 12-107).
SUMMARY: The Commission will consider a Second Report and Order and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to extend accessibility rules for emergency alerts to “second screens,” including tablets, smartphones, laptops, and similar devices. The proposal would take additional steps to make emergency information in video programming accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
