| National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program |
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Funded with $10 million allocated from the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) Fund each year, the FCC said that the best approach is to establish a two-year pilot program with the option of extending this for a third year. The FCC will assess the program then to see what is most efficient and effective for administering the NDBEDP on a permanent basis. Under the NDBEDP pilot program, the Commission will certify and provide funding to one entity in each state to distribute equipment to low-income individuals who are deaf-blind. __ Photo credit: Licensed through Creative Commons by fotopedia |
On April 6, 2011, the FCC issued an order to set up the first ever National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program to enable low-income individuals who are deaf-blind to access 21st century communications services. Established as a pilot program, the NDBEDP will help ensure that deaf-blind individuals have access to the Internet, and advanced communications, including interexchange services and advanced telecommunications and information services. The Order is the first of several we are expecting this year to implement the provisions of the 21st Century Communications & Video Accessibility Act of 2010 ("21st CVAA").
