What a week for CSD! On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) hosted a forum on Direct Video Calling (DVC) from 1 to 4 pm at FCC headquarters. The event was live-streamed for accessibility to a broader audience at fcc.gov/live.
The forum was attended by our own Christopher Soukup, CEO of Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD), along with other key members and providers of the DVC industry, to push for accessibility awareness among Deaf and Hard of Hearing consumers in America.
L to R: Karen Strauss, Cameron Papazis, Chris Soukup, Ryan Bonheyo, Greg Pollock
Some key takeaways from the forum are listed below:
Executive Orders Overview: After the opening remarks, the forum began with a dive into Executive Orders about Accessible Federal Consumer Service, including an overview of DVC and its relevance to accessibility today.
Panel Discussions and Live Demo: Things picked up when a live demonstration of DVC was shown by calling the FCC’s ASL Consumer Support Line using a videophone. The call was answered – also via a videophone – by the FCC representative who greeted the caller in ASL. It was a demo crucial for showing DVC’s strength as a platform for direct and effective video communication. As a bonus, participants and viewers were able to see just how equitable DVC is; they saw that it was one-on-one communication between two people using ASL, without a third-party interpreter. It was no different than someone picking up a phone and calling their friend or neighbor. This goes back to the adage, “Show, not tell”.
During the panel, when asked about user experience, security, and how federal agencies can implement DVC, Soukup shared, “CSD is well-versed in obtaining the essential security information and certifications needed to meet federal agency standards.” He also highlighted the importance of inclusivity in the development process, “Including those with lived experience from the start as you add DVC to your service is crucial.”
Exhibits: Toward the end, attendees had the opportunity to explore exhibits from various DVC providers, showcasing the latest advancements and applications of the platform. These demos offered a hands-on experience with the tools that are improving accessibility in communication.
Wrap Up: Overall, the FCC's DVC Forum was a big step toward advancing accessibility and inclusivity in federal communications, ensuring that individuals who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing have the tools they need for effective communication. We are proud to be a part of this movement by sharing DVC’s capabilities with those who would benefit from it. We thank everyone for their attendance, including the FCC key personnel and other DVC providers who shared their input and expertise in helping the DVC industry grow even more!
Until next time,
CSD
For those interested in learning more about Direct Video Calling, additional information is available at fcc.gov/dvc.
To view the recorded live-stream, visit: https://youtu.be/5jdaw02L-O8?si=bMLSK6wqsa6heMo3
