This week ANCOR has learned that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has asked the disability community to “share their experiences regarding how their access to communications systems (including wireline, wireless, satellite, broadcast, and cable networks) was impacted by the loss of power leading up to, during, and following disasters.”
Between last year’s wild fires in California and a series of hurricanes in the South and Southeast over the past three years, ANCOR members and the individuals they support have been affected by a range of disasters. As such, we want to make sure I/DD providers are aware of the opportunity to inform future federal emergency planning. The goal of this information request is for the federal government to identify “actions [the FCC], communications providers, and power companies can cooperatively take to encourage and increase coordination regarding an emergency or disaster.”
Comments can be shared here by February 8, 2019. This deadline reflects an extension due to the shutdown. As shared by the FCC: “Interested parties may file comments by accessing the Electronic Comment Filing System at https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings. All filings must reference PS Docket No. 11-60. People with disabilities who need assistance to file comments online at https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings may request assistance by email to [email protected].”
Related resource: ANCOR members who want emergency planning resources specific to the I/DD community might be interested in our Disaster Relief Page.
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