Federal Communications Commission FCC 15-57
STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER JESSICA ROSENWORCEL
Re: Implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 
2010, Section 105, Relay Services for Deaf-Blind Individuals, Order, CG Docket No. 10-210.
It was nearly five years ago that the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video 
Accessibility Act was signed into law.  I know because I had the honor of being there.  Now seeing civil 
rights legislation signed into law is a powerful thing.  But the Twenty-First Century Communications and 
Video Accessibility Act itself is also powerful—because it built on the blueprint of the Americans with 
Disabilities Act and pried open the doors of opportunity and access for the Internet era. 
Of course, five years is a virtual eternity when it comes to the equipment we now use to 
communicate.  That is why I am glad we are taking a fresh look at the National Deaf-Blind Equipment 
Distribution Program in order to take this program from pilot to permanent.  This is not only the right 
thing to do—it’s the law.  That’s because in the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video 
Accessibility Act, Congress charged the Commission with developing this program to make telephone 
and Internet services accessible to individuals who are deaf-blind all across the country.  Already, our 
efforts have helped nearly two thousand people lead lives that are more productive, more connected, and 
more independent.  I am convinced there is more good to do, more doors to pry open, and more 
opportunity to offer through this program.  I am pleased we are on course to do so.