From Disability.gov-- The Federal Communication Commissions (FCC) plans to upgrade the capabilities of the 9-1-1 emergency system by allowing texting, video streaming and data sharing as part of the National Broadband Plan's Next Generation 9-1-1.
Many people, particularly those with disabilities, depend on texting as their primary means of communication. In some emergency situations -- especially in circumstances where a call could further jeopardize someone’s life and safety -- texting is the only way to reach out for help.
For more information: http://www.disability.gov/technology/news_%26_events
21 comments:
This is a very impressive movement by the FCC to utilize technologies that have a great presence in our modern society. It is appealing in that it not only is applicable to individuals with disabilities, but the population as a whole. Texting is quickly becoming a means of communication used not only by the youth but older populations as well. The previous 911 system had significant barriers to communication involving individuals that do not possess audible means of communication.
This is a very impressive movement by the FCC to utilize technologies that have a great presence in our modern society. It is appealing in that it not only is applicable to individuals with disabilities, but the population as a whole. Texting is quickly becoming a means of communication used not only by the youth but older populations as well. The previous 911 system had significant barriers to communication involving individuals that do not possess audible means of communication.
-Will Ramsey
It is just a better means to have assistive technology available on a national scale. This makes sense since the FCC has offered emergency texts/captions for disaster warnings, now they can also receive distress calls through other means besides spoken language. Through paranoia, I have gathered supplies and information on disaster planning and noticed very few mentions of plans to include people with disabilities.
I believe it is a great thing that the FCC is now providing this new techbology for those people with disabilities. Texting has become the easist way of communication by most of us and providing this service for people with disabilities would be very beneficial. I do think that they need to have some control of who is allowed to use this service so that other people don't just use it and send false alarms.
Outstanding! It's about time the FCC upgrades at the capabilities of the 911 emergency system. I agree that texting is of vital form of communication for many people with disabilities. In addition, the recent popularity of texting within the general population is the phenomenon that is here to stay. I remember a time when people used to say that texting a teenage fad that would be forgotten in a few years. Well… those people were wrong. Texting has become important form of communication for all people, and texting has indeed proven its usefulness for people with disabilities. The evolution of the FCC 911 emergency system is a bold and prudent move on behalf of our federal government. The lives and safety of millions are dependent on a crucial form of emergency communication (911) which must progress and sync with contemporary communication developments and or preferences to serve its intended purpose.
I see this availability as an opportunity to save lives. I am glad that FCC is making more appropriations to help people with disabilities.
Now, maybe what needs to be done is make sure that those who will be using these means of communication for emergency calls are well aware of how they will do it.
Even though this means of communication is not for everyone, it can help many.
By Matilde Barrera Alaniz
This upgrade in 911 emergency capabilities is a step in the right direction for people with disabilities. However, this change benefits both individuals with and without disabilities. The use of texting, video streaming, and data sharing gives individuals more options to communicate their emergency situation. Some individuals might feel comfortable voicing their emergency. However, others might communicate their emergency better by texting. For example, lets say someone was at there home alone and they were in a choking situation. By giving this person an alternative method of communication (texting), their life could be saved. Thus, with this new technology set in place, more and more lives can be saved.
The ability to communicate is a lifelong necessity in todays rapidly changing society. Presently, there are literally hundreds of technological inovatins that assist us on communicating with other individuals and even the world. Persons with disabilities have met several challenges and obstacles in the area of communication. Assistive technology has encouraged many advances for persons with disabilities to communicate at different levels. The Federal Communication Commission move on upgrading the 9-1-1 emergency system has been long overdue. I am glad it getting done. Texting, video streaming and data sharing will make communicating in an emergency situations easier. This is trully a step in "improving the quality of life" to persons with disabilities.
I think we need to continue moving along with technology these days especially since it moves faster than society can. Texting has become popular with not only teens but many adults. It has also become a good source of communicating for people with disabilities. This is one more step towards improving life for people with disabilities.
Any improvement to the 911 phone system is welcome. It is an evolving process, but no doubt it has save thousands upon thousand of lives, no to mention a bit of humor from some foolish people who dial 911 when McDonalds messes up their order. Nonetheless, any improvements that would assist PWD is a badly needed, and yes, texting is a superb means of communication for individuals with hearing disabilities. FCC is a government entity, as such always seems to be late with improvements, However, it is much needed.
The advance of new technology sound like a great idea for 911 emergencies. In the past one could only call in to report an emergency making this very difficult for individual with hearing impairment or individuals with speech impairment. Now that we have arrived to the 21st century, technology has come a long way. With the different application one could find the means to communicate better with one in the community. For an example in today modern world people have done away with calling each other and have move more to texting instead. Texting has opened up so many different opportunities for people all over the world just like computers have. Offering video stream, texting and other method to the emergency contact sound perfect, we no longer have to feel limited to one thing. It can also change the situation for someone who can only communicate by texting or writing.
Well it’s about time this government is something to improve the 9-1-1 system. It seems like a great idea when implementing text as a way to report accidents/danger. I unfortunately feel that streaming video is a waste of time, unless of course it was a robbery or something and you’re phone/flip camera was clearer than the surveillance cameras. Other than that, text is the new way to go. In many cases we tend to stutter or find ourselves at a loss for words when nervous or just witnessed something shocking but with texting, since we pound on the keys so quickly, it is sometimes an easier and faster way of communicating. It puts the anxiety to good use. This may be a big relief to those who have speech disorders/delays and may sometimes feel uncomfortable speaking no matter the situation. I can’t say that this is an advance in AT since texting has been around for quite a while but finally being able to use it to contact 9-1-1 and report an emergency is just awesome.
WOW! I am impressed! I think that allowing texting as a means of reaching 911 is amazing. If you think about it, there is more opportunity for the aiding and saving someone in a life-threatening situation, especially in cases of abuse. If someone is in a situation where which their life is being threatened, a quiet text can make all of the difference in the world as opposed to a phone call that can be heard. I also think that texting can be particularly life-saving in instances of people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. I think this is a great call on behalf of the FCC. I think that in most circumstances, texting may be a much more efficient means of reaching 911 emergency services.
This is an amazing effort to save more lives in danger. Also,this is a great way to eliminate barriers for those who have trouble communicating verbally. This example supports the notion that disabilities are socially constructed.I am glad to see that technology is helping people with disability to improve their quality of life.
I. Corbi
Impressive! It was just a matter of time until something like this was introdruced and it is very welcome. Texting is rapidly becoming the new and perhaps main mean of communicating nowadays. People often seek to text rather than call as it seems to be a bit easier and definitely faster, but nonetheless sometimes the only form of communication with individuals with audible disabilities. Technology is ever progressing and it is always great to have improvements in ways with which we can communicate.
Upgrading 911 emergency capabilities is a very important improvement that would increase the chances of preventing and resolving emergencies. By allowing text and video streaming as part of the 911 program, the FCC will enlarge the population being served and it will increase the chance of successful prevention and solution of emergencies.
Alinka Del Castillo
Wow! I had not thought of how a person with a disability needs to do to call 911. A deaf person usually communicates via text. It is great that the FCC is keeping up to date with our society and that it is also benefiting people with disabilities.
Melchora Gracia
This is very exciting news! Technology is really doing its part and helping people with disabilities. It is great that now the FCC is expanding their 911 capacities. Video streaming for emergencies is also a great thing since not every person with a disability text. However, texting is a big way of communicating with others. The technology will continue growing as the years go by and it will continue to benefit people with disabilities as well as everyone else.
As technology keeps advancing, I think the way we should or are able to "call" for help should be updated as well. I am glad to know the FCC is allowing for other ways of "dialing" to 9-1-1 or for help during emergency situations. We've come to a day and age where texting, live video, pictures, social networking sites, & instant messaging programs have taken over the "call" means to communicate with our loved ones, friends and community as well as now medical staff. Thank you for opening doors for more possibilities and possible saving lives through many more outlets, FCC.
Heather
I am happy to hear of the expansion and upgrade the FCC is making to the 911 emergency system as this will accommodate different modes of communication. This will be a great benefit to all of us, including those individuals with disabilities. Communication will be facilitated and perhaps more lives will be spared as a result of these changes. This is a great step the FCC is taking of making effective use of the technology that is widely used and available to people these days. I am a little surprised to find that although texting is the primary means of communication for some individuals that it took this long to implement other means of communicating with the 911 emergency systems. I’m wondering why the service was not made more accessible sooner. I do not wish to have the need to utilize this newly upgraded service but it will be interesting to wait and hear of success stories thanks to the new communication methods.
The FCC made a great step forward in improving technology access for people with disabilities,This will make the difference that will save lives because the process of contacting emergency will be a lot easier for people with disabilities. I really like the idea of improving technology for the good of our society.
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