Press Releases: 2000 Releases

UCP Applauds Revised Telecommunication Relay Service Rules Incorporating "Speech to Speech" Service

Contact: Michelle Cook
Phone: 202-776-0406

Washington, DC, February 17, 2000 — United Cerebral Palsy Associations, Inc. (UCP) today praised the recent Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decision to revise Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) rules to incorporate speech-to-speech service. The amended TRS rules govern expanded delivery and improved quality of relay services available to consumers with hearing and speech disabilities. The amended rules require a new service nationwide by March 1, 2001, to allow users to speak directly with operators trained to identify speech patterns of people with disabilities. Improvement in the quality of services, such as text telephone, would also be affected.

UCP has not only persistently advocated for improved services and access for people with disabilities,. but was instrumental in supporting the passage of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, the first major overhaul of the American telecommunications industry for 62 years. One of the goals of the 1996 Telecommunications Act was to promote the availability of telecommunications services and equipment to people traditionally underserved in telecommunications, including people with disabilities.

UCP's Gus Estrella, Policy Analyst has served as the representative of the speech disability community as a member of the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services Advisory Council since November 1999. Mr. Estrella has a severe physical disability and a severe speech disability and uses an augmentative communication device to communicate. He has served on numerous committees dealing with telecommunications and assistive technology. He served as an alternate on the Telecommunications Access Advisory Committee (TAAC) in 1996. Most recently, he served as an alternate on the Electronic and Information Technology Access Advisory Committee. Mr. Estrella understands firsthand issues surrounding the difficulties that people with disabilities, more specifically people with severe physical and speech disabilities have when attempting to use telecommunications products and services. Mr. Estrella stated, "In a world that is increasingly technology-rich, considering the assistive technology needs of people with disabilities can help bring about inclusion and independence in our freedom-based society."

The UCP mission, since its inception in 1949, has been to advance the independence of people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. UCP is one of the most fiscally responsible charities, with 85 cents of every dollar going directly to programs and services. UCP National in Washington, D.C. represents over 140 affiliates throughout the nation who provide among the most diverse array of high quality services to the community of people with disabilities.

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