DHHCAN Meeting Minutes

October 7, 2009

Present:  Claude Stout (TDI) (Chair); Cheryl Heppner (ALDA) (Vice Chair); Rosaline Crawford (NAD) (Secretary/Treasurer); Art Roehrig (AADB); Karen Peltz Strauss (CSD); Lise Hamlin (HLAA); Shane Feldman (NAD); Ronald Sutcliffe (NDBI); Kelby Brick (Purple); Mary Lightfoot; and Samuel Jones (consumer).

The Vice Chair called the meeting to order at 1:12 p.m.

Minutes:  The minutes of the June 3 and September 9 meetings will be presented for approval at the November 4 meeting.

Officers’ Reports:

Chair

Claude reported that he has been handling a family emergency; will follow-up on the Obama transition document (getting sections assigned for follow up with federal agencies).

Vice Chair

Report will be provided as part of transportation and emergency preparedness committee reports.

Secretary/Treasurer

Balance in the DHHCAN bank account is $31,844.  Invoices for DHHCAN dues will be distributed soon.

Committee Reports:

Technology & Telecommunications

• FCC workshop on 10-digit numbering and E911 was held on 9/25/09.  Jim House (TDI); Al Sonnenstrahl (TDI E911 Stakeholders Council); and Rosaline Crawford (NAD) were panelists. Afternoon meeting with FCC, iTRS providers, and consumer representatives met that afternoon and discussed several outstanding numbering and E911 issues.
• Met with FCC Mark Stone (interim and deputy chief of CGB) and Sherrese Smith (legal advisor to the Chairman) on VRS rate issues on 10/6/09.  FCC considering task force on VRS business model and looking for recommendations, such as academics.  Discussion included the following:
  • Need for RID representative – RID could nominate individual(s)
  • Need for economists rather than academicians
  • People who understand utilization rate
  • Claude has a business degree and background
  • Jeremy Brunson did a dissertation on sociological perspective
  • Sheila Mentkowski and Larry Brick on the NECA consumer advisory council
  • Marty Taylor (Canadian), a former consultant for Sorenson
  • Steven Chaicand, hard of hearing, an expert economist
  • Jim McFadden, could be representing providers
  • Task force could interview providers; rather than have providers on the task force
  • Dr. Julie Simon, VI research consultant with NCIEC
• Sorenson filed petition on 8/4/09 requesting that consumers may have only one default provider at a location regardless of how many video devices they have or from whom acquired.
• Sorenson filed petition on 10/1/09 proposing new rules that would clarify what types of calls may legitimately be compensated by the Interstate TRS Fund.
• Consumer Groups filed a letter of support on 9/11/09 for Purple’s petition on reimbursement for deaf-only VRS conference calls and to clarify TRS marketing practices; FCC issued decision on 9/18/09 rejecting reimbursement for deaf-only calls of any kind, and dismissed request for clarification of TRS marketing practices as currently under investigation.  Consumer Groups to file for reconsideration of FCC order on reimbursement for deaf-only calls.  FCC CAC recommended allowing reimbursement for deaf-only calls. 
• CSDVRS filed for reconsideration on 9/10/09 of the FCC’s notice prohibiting 800 numbers from the iTRS database; Sorenson filed comments 9/21/09 supporting FCC decision on 800 numbers; Consumer Groups will file for reconsideration.
• FCC request for comments on disclosure and information about communications products and services (i.e., when consumers choose equipment or services, change plans, accessibility features such as HAC, etc.); due 10/13/09.

• FCC CAC DTV technical working group subgroups are meeting; next meeting of the entire working group tentatively scheduled for 11/9/09.  Discussion about working subgroup on information video program providers need to resolve CC issues; Rosaline trying to make it easier for consumers to report CC problems.  However, providers should be required to monitor CC or hire people to monitor CC for providers; burden should not rest on consumers to report CC problems.
• Lise reported on the supplement to the petition for captioned telephone service; some states are opposing; questions about rates for IP CapTel and interstate CapTel; equipment issues; states are confusing the issue; states get charged full price for CapTel phones while people with low income can get a discount.

Education

No Child Left Behind (NCLB) – Department of Education is having sessions in DC and elsewhere to get input on the law.  NCLB listening sessions will also take place at the CEASD Board meeting and NASDE conference.

Rehabilitation

Martha has resigned as ADARA representative.  Al (Sonny) Sonnenstrahl will be the new ADARA representative to DHHCAN.

Transportation

• Department of Transportation, Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) disability coalition meeting was held recently.  Cheryl, Lise, and David Nelson attended.  Included session expert on terrorism on transportation systems; security screening changes; and border crossings.
• DHHCAN Air Carrier Access Guidance – added the term “deaf-blind,” document is now finalized.

Emergency Preparedness

• FEMA providing updates on flooding in Georgia; conference calls now with CART; thanks to Marcie Roth.
• Lise provided testimony on the Emergency Alert System before a congressional transportation committee.

Health & Human Services

No report.

Old Business: 

None.

New Business: 

Kelby reported that all providers were invited and some providers have formed a “compliance work group” to develop standards and guidelines to elevate the integrity of the industry and ensure high quality service.  He and Jeff Rosen will liaise with consumer groups.

Meeting adjourned.  The next meeting will be held in the Ole Jim on Wednesday, November 4, 2009.

Rosaline Crawford

Secretary/Treasurer