Moderator Bios

Marcia Brooks
Project Director, The Carl and Ruth Shapiro Family National Center for Accessible Media at WGBH (NCAM)
Marcia_brooks@wgbh.org

Marcia Brooks is a project director for the National Center for Accessible Media at WGBH, and principal investigator for the “Caption Accuracy Metrics” U.S. Dept. of Education-funded grant. She previously led "Access to Emergency Alerts", funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Marcia contributes to other federal grants that research and prototype media access solutions, and led a multi-year grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to develop PBCore, a metadata standard for public broadcasting and related institutions worldwide involved in digital content. Marcia was senior strategist at a leading Internet marketing agency, and held various management positions at PBS.

Diane N. Bryen, PhD
dianeb@temple.edu

Dr. Diane Nelson Bryen has worked toward making the goals of independence, productivity, inclusion, and full participation a reality for and with people with disabilities.  As professor of Special Education since 1973 and Executive Director of Temple's Institute on Disabilities, Pennsylvania’s University Center for Excellence since 1992 through to her retirement in June 2008, Dr. Bryen has been a leader, mentor, advocate, teacher, and researcher. She has served on several statewide, national and international boards, most recently serving as the plaintiffs’ representative on the Gaskin Advisory Panel overseeing the implementation of the Gaskin v. Pennsylvania Department of Education Settlement Agreement.  Dr. Bryen has been a partner in the RERC on Communication Enhancement.

Angela Devlen
President, Mahila Partnership
adevlen@mahilapartnership.org

Angela is the co-founder and current President of Mahila Partnership, a grassroots women's organization dedicated to serving all populations by supporting education, sustainable community development and recovery from disasters.   She is also the Managing Partner at Wakefield Brunswick, a management consulting firm.  She is an international healthcare disaster preparedness expert and has worked with several universities on curriculum development, research and instruction in emergency management and business continuity.  Angela is a passionate advocate for humanitarian, healthcare and women's issues, working on several projects including gender and special needs issues in disasters, public health education & community development projects.

Judy Harkins, Ph.D.
Founding Director, Technology Access Program, Gallaudet University
judy.harkins@tap.gallaudet.edu

Dr. Harkins is the professor of Communication Studies at Gallaudet University, where she has directed the Technology Access Program since its inception in 1985. The program's primary focus is access to communications technology by people who are deaf and hard of hearing. She is a principal investigator in two RERCs: the RERC on Hearing Enhancement at Gallaudet University and the RERC on Telecommunications Access based at the Trace Center, University of Wisconsin. Dr. Harkins currently serves on the Consumer/Disability Telecommunications Advisory Committee of the FCC and is an active participant in the Wireless TTY Forum and the IVR Forum of the Alliance for Telecommunication Industry Solutions.

Mike Jones, Ph.D.
Founding Director, Virginia C. Crawford Research Institute at the Shepherd center
Mike_jones@shepherd.org

Dr. Mike Jones is Vice President for Research and Technology and founding Director of the Virginia C. Crawford Research Institute at Shepherd Center.  He is also As Co-principal investigator for the Wireless RERC, directing Shepherd Center’s overall participation and serving as co-investigator on twp research projects. Prior to coming to Shepherd Center in 1996, Dr. Jones was executive director of the Center for Universal Design at NC State University, a NIDRR-funded RERC.  While at the Center for Universal Design, Dr. Jones and Jim Mueller coordinated the team of investigators that created the Principles of Universal Design.  Dr. Jones also served as associate director of the Research and Training Center on Independent Living, from 1982-1988.

Paul E. Klein
Chief Operating Officer, CellCast Technologies
p.klein@cellcastcorp.com

Paul has decades of experience advising privately and publicly held companies internationally in building market value through perpetuation, accountability and competency practices. Paul is a recognized advisor, author, presenter, and facilitator, known for mobilizing executive and management teams to achieve improved performance, productivity, and profits. The broad range of industries served includes but are not limited to: telecommunications, medical/dental, law, digital security, and banking. He was co‐founder and program chair of the exclusive International Banking Information Technology Forum, for CEO’s from leading IT and Banking corporations as well as government regulatory and electronic banking security leaders.

Jim Mueller
Project Director, Wireless RERC
jlminc@earthlink.net

Jim Mueller is an industrial designer who serves as a universal design consultant to employers, product manufacturers, and rehabilitation research centers.  From 1994-2004, Jim served as a consultant to North Carolina State University's Center for Universal Design, where he helped establish the 7 Principles of Universal Design in 1997.   Jim also chairs the Special Interest Section on Universal Design for the Industrial Designers Society of America.  Jim currently directs user research for the Wireless Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center in Atlanta, managing user research and universal design training for professionals in the wireless industry.

Luminita Vasiu, PhD
President and CEO, European Institute for Innovative Technologies
l.vasiu@eu-insit.com

Dr. Luminita Vasiu is the President and CEO of the European Institute for Innovative Technologies. Dr Vasiu is the Chair of the British Computer Society Wireless Information Technology Specialist Group. Her research interest includes wireless technologies and object oriented technologies. She is a member of numerous international conference committees and program Co-Chair for ICETE and IWWST conferences. Dr. Vasiu has presented papers internationally, been published in peer-reviewed journals such as the IEEE, and authored papers on important research topics including security, Internet services from wireless handheld devices, and commerce. Her academic and professional credentials include BSc, MSc, MBA, PBC, MBC, PGCertHE, Ph.D., MBCS, MIEEE, and MINFORMS.

Speaker Bios and Abstracts

Tom Axtell
General Manager, Vegas PBS
taxtell@vegaspbs.org

Tom Axtell is General Manager of Vegas PBS since 1994. He has diversified services offered by the company and recently completed a $65 million LEED Gold and MSRC compliant facility. He has served as Dean of Telecasting at the Milwaukee Area Technical College, Vice President for Advancement at Alverno College, and a Legislative Aide in the Wisconsin State Senate. Tom has worked at PBS or NPR stations in five states. Axtell serves on numerous local nonprofit boards and served on the boards of PBS, Reality Works, and the National Educational Telecommunications Association. Axtell holds a Juris Doctor from Gonzaga University.

Abstract:
Digital television signals can efficiently transmit multiple, simultaneous streams of voice, video and data content. The same amount of bandwidth can reach one receiver or ten million receivers. During a civil emergency where bandwidth is overloaded, encrypted digital television signals can provide a powerful backup communications resource for first responders. Following 9-11, Vegas PBS designed a system that delivers building blueprints, hazmat locations, GIS data, personal contacts, and other information directly to police and fire vehicles. Digital television was incorporated into the 2006 Presidential DEAS and a 2007 Las Vegas school emergency response system. Several states are implementing similar

John C. Bricout
Associate professor/Associate Director for Research, University of Central Florida (UCF) School of Social Work
jbricout@mail.ucf.edu

John Bricout, Ph.D. is an associate professor and associate director for research at the University of Central Florida (UCF) School of Social Work since 2007. He also coordinates the social work track in the interdisciplinary public affairs Ph.D. program. His research focuses on the influence of information and communication and assistive technologies on employment and community participation outcomes for persons with a disability. Professor Bricout has a strong interest in international and interdisciplinary research. He teaches courses on research methods, evaluation, ethics, evidence-based practice research, and community science.

Abstract: Leveraging online social networks for persons with a disability in emergency communications and recovery
John C. Bricout, PhD, Paul, M.A. Baker, PhD
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can leverage social networks for emergency communications and recovery involving persons with a disability, provided that proper consideration is given to the nature of distributed online resources in the context of disaster or other emergency events. Consideration must be given to the ethical, design and implementation challenges for a robust planning and delivery system in a dynamic risk environment. Involving persons with a disability is critical to the effectiveness of online social networks in bridging real-world concerns with virtual resources.

Kay Chiodo
CEO, Deaf Link, Inc
kaychiodo@deaflink.com

Kay Chiodo is Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Deaf Link, Inc.  Her professional career involves over twenty years of providing services to persons with disabilities. Ms. Chiodo holds certification as an American Sign Language interpreter (ASL) and served the State of Texas as mobility instructor for persons who are blind or deaf-blind.  Deaf Link, Inc. developed solutions to overcome many of the communication barriers faced by millions of Americans whose disabilities affect how they receive or relay information.  Deaf Link developed the Accessible Hazard Alert System (AHAS™) which provides access to alerts/emergency information for persons whose disability determines the modality needed to receive ‘clear and effective’ communication. Many of the accessibility solutions developed by Deaf Link have assisted State and Federal Agencies in their compliance with the Presidential Mandate for the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities into Emergency Preparedness.

Abstract:  Delivering Accessible Wireless Emergency Alerts via Subscriptions Services
33 million Americans (deaf, blind, hard of hearing, deaf-blind) have disabilities that determine the modality needed to have ‘clear and effective’ communication access to emergency alerts.  Deaf Link’s Accessible Hazard Alert System (AHAS™) formats National, State, County and City alerts into English text, voice and American Sign Language (ASL).  AHAS™ disseminates alerts to subscriber’s designated device in the modality requested.  Television stations are provided accessible alerts in “Broadcast compatible” format.  AHAS™ has served the State of Texas since 2005 and was utilized in 2007 by Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) Pilot project in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

Bill Crandall Ph.D.
Scientist, The Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute
bc@ski.org

Bill came to The Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute in 1973 while pursuing his Masters degree in Physiological Psychology (University of Georgia, class of '79).  In 1981 he received a Ph.D. degree, studying oculomotor neurophysiology and vision research.  His position was laboratory manager and co-investigator until late 1990.  He moved to the Institute's Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) where he began research in human factors utilization of disabilities access technology. Bill has also been involved in developing and evaluating accessibility features for transaction machines and systems (including customer service).  His interests include Human Factors research; R&D for devices and techniques in blindness accessibility; remote infrared audible signage (Talking Signs); telecommunications; and electronic information systems.

Abstract:  Evaluation of Emergency Egress Information FOR PERSONS WITH PRINT READING DISABILITIES
Bill Crandall, PhD, Billie Louise Bentzen, PhD, Linda Myers, MA
The problem of providing emergency information in buildings to individuals who are visually impaired is complex because emergency procedures vary according to the type of emergency, extent of emergency, size of building, occupancy and type of building construction. This complexity raises many questions as little research compares the use and effectiveness by persons with visual impairments of different formats for obtaining wayfinding information. A paradigm was established where subjects read or listened to instructions for executing a travel task and then were asked to execute this task. Objective and subjective measures were obtained for five accessible formats.

Zachary Goldfarb
Principal, Incident Management Systems, Inc.
Zach@IMScommand.com

Zachary Goldfarb is the principal of Incident Management Solutions, Inc., a New York-based certified emergency management consultancy.  Chief Goldfarb has served in many capacities during his 25-year career with the New York City Fire Department, recently retiring as an EMS Deputy Chief/Paramedic.  The author of the New York City Emergency Medical Action (Disaster) Plan, he served as an EMS commander at the scene during both the 1993 bombing and the 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. A nationally certified emergency manager and certified healthcare safety professional, Chief Goldfarb lectures and writes widely on emergency management, incident command, homeland security, and related topics.

Guido Gybels
Director of Technology, Royal National Institute for Deaf People
Guido.gybels@rnid.org.uk

In his current role as Director of Technology for RNID (London, UK), Guido Gybels is responsible for the organization’s research and development activities as well as its ICT policy and regulatory strategy. He is a regular speaker at international conferences and has published widely on technology and policy matters. He contributes to standardization within IETF, BSI and CENELEC. He is a member of the advisory board of the Centre for Usable Home Technologies at the University of York and a member of the UK's 999/112 Emergency SMS steering group. He is also a member of the UK's official e-Inclusion delegation to the European Union. Guido Gybels has established RNID Technology as a leading organization in technology and standardization, winning several prestigious awards and accolades.

Abstract:
Modern information and communication technologies have transformed the way we live, work and entertain ourselves. They can lower or even remove barriers to opportunity and fulfillment previously considered almost absolute. However, in order to meet that promise, services and products must be designed to be fully accessible and usable by people with disabilities. More than being just about participation in society, access to emergency services can be literally a matter of life and death. This presentation will discuss recent developments in Europe in making emergency services accessible for people with disabilities through clever application of existing technologies such as SMS as well as the use of Total Conversation.

Rita Harrison
Program Analyst, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Rita.Harrison@fda.hhs.gov

Rita Harrison is a Program Analyst for the Food and Drug Administration, specializing in ensuring equal access for employees with Disabilities.  She serves on the agency’s Section 508 Task Force, and is the Vice Chair of the Commissioners Advisory Committee for Employees with Disabilities (ACED). When she is not working, she volunteers for the STARS program at the Center for the Visually Impaired, Where she teaches after-school classes, chairs the Mentoring Program Committee, and mentors 2 teenage girls. Rita serves on the Board of the Atlanta Chapter of People to People International.  Her goal as a PTPI member is to work towards improving and heightening the awareness of individuals with disabilities globally through peace and understanding.

Abstract:
Ms. Harrison was a field test participant for the Wireless RERC’s Wireless Emergency Communications project.  She will share her experience, specifically, as a participant, and generally, as a person who is blind, what she has encountered when receiving actual emergency alerts and information.

John Lamb
Publisher and Editor, Ability Magazine
john.lamb@abilitymagazine.org.uk

John Lamb is publisher and editor of Ability magazine, a UK publication about information technology for disabled people. John is a member of the British Computer Society Disability Group and sits on the accessibility panel of the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists. He has written a number of publications about IT for people with disabilities including an IT Director’s Guide to Accessible IT. He has also edited a number of leading UK titles including Computer Weekly, InformationWeek and Sunday Business ComputerAge.

Abstract:
The UK’s approach to improving access to emergency services is piecemeal with a patchwork of measures that leave few emergency services with a comprehensive approach to inclusivity. However, the European Commission is developing regulations that insist on equivalent access to telecommunications for people with disabilities using techniques such as text, video and voice in particular for the Europe-wide 112 emergency number. This paper will review the impact of tighter regulation and discuss specific initiatives to improve accessibility.

Patrick Langdon
Senior Research Associate, Cambridge University Engineering Department Design Centre
pat.langdon@eng.cam.ac.uk

Dr Patrick Langdon is a Senior Research Associate in the Cambridge University Engineering Department Design Centre; Lead researcher in Inclusive Design and consortium manager of the EPSRC Inclusive Design 3 project. His past research has examined the psychological reality of certain Artificial Intelligence-based theories of Computer Vision and Neural-Network algorithms for robot control. He is currently working in the areas of modelling inclusive interaction. Particularly learning, movement and cognition for inclusive design and computer assistance for motion impaired interface use. He is External Examiner for the Kings College London and Guy’s Hospital Intercollegiate MSc in Assistive Technology.

Abstract:
Inclusive Wireless Technology for Emergency Communications in the UK
Pat Langdon and Ian Hosking
We begin with a short review of the limitations of UK practice and government policy on wireless emergency communications. We then focus on the limitations of this current practice and examine the inclusivity of the technology for older people and people with disabilities. This review is illustrated with brief case studies from two recent emergencies: The Carlisle Storms and Flooding of January 2005, and the July 7th Terrorist Bombings of London’s public transport in July 2005. Elderly and vulnerable people were at risk as a result of communications situations during these events and many only received communications from rescuers on the ground. Due to these and other events, extensive revision and development of policy has been made. The revised subsequent UK Resilience policy is also examined with specific attention to recommendations for communication.

Brenda D. Phillips, Ph.D.
Professor/Senior Researcher/Affiliated Faculty, Oklahoma State University
brenda.phillips@okstate.edu

Brenda Phillips, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Fire and Emergency Management Program, an Affiliated Faculty member in the Gender & Women's Studies and the International Studies Programs, and a Senior Researcher with the Center for the Study of Disasters and Extreme Events at Oklahoma State University.   She is the author of Disaster Recovery and the lead editor of Social Vulnerability to Disasters  with Deborah Thomas, Alice Fothergill and Lynn Blinn-Pike (CRC Press).  Professor Phillips has conducted research on social vulnerability since 1982.  Her published research, funded by the National Science Foundation, can be found in journals such as the International Journal of Mass Emergencies and Disasters, Disaster Prevention, Disasters, Humanity and Society, the Journal of Emergency Management, Natural Hazards Review, and Environmental Hazards.

Abstract:
This presentation will look at meaningful strategies to open and increase emergency access for people with disabilities. The “human factors” that are essential to that improvement will be discussed, including the barriers that prevent adoption (such as affordability and accessibility as well as how key users like meteorologists and emergency managers use those technologies for warnings).  Strategies for overcoming these barriers will be presented including enhancing the salience of emergency preparedness among people with disabilities, building capacities within the affected population, the roles of the emergency manager and media, and the contributions that can be made by advocates and the larger community.

Donna Platt
Emergency Education Program Manager, Hearing Speech & Deafness Center
dplatt@hsdc.org

Donna Platt is the Emergency Education Program Manager with the Hearing, Speech & Deafness Center.  She conducts training to 9-1-1 telecommunicators on providing effective communication services to Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Hard of Hearing and Speech challenged callers in Washington State.  She provides technical assistance to emergency responders on effective communication access for people with hearing loss in regards to emergency notification and preparedness. She is also currently Accessibility Committee Vice-Chair of the National Emergency Number Association.  Ms. Platt is involved in several projects such as VRS/IP Relay Service PSAP Interaction, Emergency Notification Systems for People with Disabilities, and Messaging to E9-1-1 & Next Generation 9-1-1.

Abstract: 
Ensuring Access to Emergency Assistance:  NENA’s efforts in NG-911 for people with disabilities
A variety of wireless and IP-based communications devices with capabilities such as voice, text and video messaging are changing rapidly. Unfortunately, the current 9-1-1 system is not compatible with these emerging technologies.  However the current 9-1-1 system is beginning to transition to Next Generation 9-1-1, which is being designed to accept calls from almost any device through advanced Internet Protocol-based networks, including text, images, and video messages in addition to voice calls.  This session includes updates on work in progress and how NG 9-1-1 will benefit people with disabilities when it comes to calling 9-1-1 services and receiving emergency alerts.

Patricia Pound
Co-Vice Chairperson, National Council on Disability
ppound@ncd.gov

Pat Pound is the Co-Vice Chairperson of the National Council on Disability and co-chairs NCD's Homeland Security Committee.  She worked on NCD's emergency report, "Saving Lives" published shortly before Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Pat is a Presidential appointee (since 2002) to the National Council on Disability and has been involved in their research in the areas of emergency management, employment, transportation, the Americans with Disabilities Act and civil rights, the application of the ADA to the Internet, and a review of new trends in technology as it relates to disability policy.   After spending 30 years in disability policy with the State of Texas she is working as a disability consultant with the Open Doors Organization, the University of Texas, Department of Nursing, the National Fire Prevention Association Disability Advisory Committee and a local company with a GPS video information device

Abstract:
The purpose of this presentation is to identify, describe, and illustrate trends in accessible emergency communication policies, programs, and practices that affect, inform, or support people with disabilities in disaster situations. The presentation will: examine trends related to policy and offer recommendations for improvements; describe programs that reveal promising trends already under way and recommend strategies to further institutionalize these trends to sustain transformative change; and, look at practices that suggest that emergency management is headed in a promising direction.

Ed Price
Research Director and Founder, Interactive Media technology Center
ed@imtc.gatech.edu

Ed Price is the Research Director and a founder of the Interactive Media Technology Center at Georgia Tech and was formerly the Director of the Aware Home Research Initiative at Georgia Tech. Ed has led many research efforts throughout his career, and has been involved in several successful commercialization efforts. Ed has several patents, including being the co-inventor of the fundamental technology behind Nexidia, a successful speech search company. He is the International Representative for the US to ISO/IEC JTC1 Subcommittee 35 on User Interfaces. Ed has been a member of the general faculty at Georgia Tech for 18 years.

Abstract:
Ed Price is the Technical Director for the Wireless RERC’s Wireless Emergency Communications project and will discuss the technical features of the WEXC method for sending accessible mergency alerts to mobile devices.

Richard Ray
Deaf Services Coordinator, City of Los Angeles Department on Disability
rlrayada@aol.com

Richard Ray is the Deaf Services Coordinator for the City of Los Angeles Department on Disability.  He ensures that City Departments comply with the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other disability laws.  He provides technical assistance to the Los Angeles Police and Fire Departments as well as to other City law enforcement agencies with the implementation of the 9-1-1 TTY system.  He also provides technical assistance to the Los Angeles Emergency Management Department.  Mr. Ray also provides technical assistance to the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and is the Chair of the National Emergency Number Association Accessibility Committee.

Abstract:
Options for sending out and receiving emergency alert system warnings have expanded; however, several factors should be explored especially for people with sensory disability such as deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing, hearing blind, as well as communication access for any type of notification.  With emerging communications technologies becoming more available, individuals with disabilities are purchasing text-enabled handheld wireless devices for their communication needs. People with disabilities are often left out of the emergency alerting process due to voice-only emergency warnings and inaccessible websites via wireless handheld devices.  Can emergency alert systems work effectively with text-enabled wireless handheld devices?

David Ross, MSEE, Med
Biomedical Research Engineer, Rehab Research and Development Center Department of Veterans Affairs
Ross0128@bellsouth.net

David Ross is a Senior Rehabilitation Research Engineer with 25 years experience leading a research team at the Atlanta VA Rehabilitation R&D Center of Excellence in Vision Loss and Aging. His current projects include a cell phone accessibility evaluation study for people with visual impairment, as well as research to develop and evaluate: long-range passive RFID information systems for wayfinding, machine vision systems for wayfinding, and SeeStar, an OnStar-like system that implements video-conferencing software on camera cell phones to offer on-demand remote assistance to people with visual impairment.

Abstract: 
Cell Phone Accessibility Evaluation Study for Persons with Visual Impairments
David A. Ross, MSEE, MEd; Gary W. Kelly, MA
Methods are described, and results to date presented, for an ongoing cell phone accessibility study for persons with visual impairment. Twelve accessible cell phones are being evaluated by consumers under stringent protocols to develop accessibility Best Practices for the industry. The top 24 consumer-rated cell phone functions are being used for the evaluation of each phone. Results to date support the need for a set of Best Practices, as none of the phones evaluated provides a complete solution, though the partial solutions provided by each do indicate a complete solution is possible.

K. Dane Snowden
Vice President of External & State Affairs, CTIA – The Wireless Association
dsnowden@ctia.org

Dane Snowden joined the CTIA – Wireless Association in 2005in his present capacity.  He is charged with overseeing and managing the association’s liaison efforts with state legislatures, regulatory entities and advocacy organizations on wireless communications issues to develop policies that promote the wireless industry’s vision for the future. Prior to the CTIA Snowden worked at the Federal Communications Commission as Chief of the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau where focused on State Governmental Affairs and Consumer Policy, specifically Tribal, Disability and Do-Not-Call issues. Prior to his stint at the FCC, Snowden was the Vice President for Business Development and Strategic Alliances at MissionFosh.com, an Internet auction engine that raises funds for non-profit groups by auctioning donated goods.

Abstract:  Industry Efforts in Accessible Wireless Emergency Alerts
Message based communications, including e‐mail and texts, are increasingly accepted as a primary form of wireless communication for youths and consumers with disabilities. The wireless industry believes that message based communications may be a component of future 9‐1‐1 services and is working with public safety and accessibility representatives to find the right solution. Although still in early stages of development, the wireless industry has strongly supported the Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) as an opportunity for consumers to receive life‐saving warnings. CTIA continues to believe that all wireless consumers should have access to emergency services when they need it most.

Thad Starner
Associate Professor, Georgia Tech
thad.starner@cc.gatech.edu

Thad Starner is an Associate Professor at Georgia Tech's School of Interactive Computing.  In the popular press he is most famous for his work in wearable computing and for creating alternative interfaces for mobile devices.  However, he has also been working on technology involving American Sign Language (ASL) and the Deaf community for the past 15 years.  His current work focuses on creating TTYPhone (TTY emulation software for smartphones), SmartSign (a mobile phone system for learning ASL), and CopyCat (an educational game that helps teach language skills to young deaf children using computer recognition of ASL).

Abstract:
Teletypewriter (TTY) technology enables the Deaf to access emergency call centers (PSAPs). However, carrying a mobile TTY to connect to a cellular phone for emergencies is onerous and rarely done.   Yet current SMS (Short Message Service) is not suitable for emergency messaging as it is not supported, not real-time, not localizable by E911, and does not guarantee delivery.  We present TTYPhone, a TTY emulation application that allows Deaf users to communicate directly with emergency operators.  TTYPhone is a software-only  application that is loaded on a commercially-available cellular phone and is compatible with existing PSAP and cellular phone infrastructure.

Other  Speakers

Paul M.A. Baker, Ph.D.
Director of Research, Center for Advanced Communications Policy (CACP)
paul@cacp.gatech.edu

Paul M.A. Baker, Ph.D., is the Director of Research at the Center for Advanced Communications Policy (CACP), and holds the rank of Senior Research Scientist with the Georgia Institute of Technology. He is also the Project Director of Policy Initiatives for both the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) on Wireless Technologies, and the Workplace Accommodations RERC, and an Adjunct Professor with the School of Public Policy at Georgia Institute of Technology, and the School of Communications and Theater at Temple University. He has taught courses in the areas of political science, research design, disability policy, public administration, information policy, and state and local government policymaking.

Elizabeth Davis
Managing Director, EAD & Associates, LLC
edavis@eadassociates.com

Elizabeth Davis is an emergency management consultant specializing in Special Needs planning, disaster human services and related issues through her firms EAD & Associates, LLC and the National Emergency Management Resource Center (NEMRC).  She retired as the first Director of the National Organization on Disability’s Emergency Preparedness Initiative (EPI) but remains an advisor to DHS and FEMA.  Davis also sits on several national advisory boards, has been a court appointed subject matter expert, participates in many major conferences and web forums and has had materials published on the subject of special needs emergency preparedness and is a guest instructor to several emergency management graduate programs in addition to the recipient of several awards and commendations.

Salimah LaForce
Information Analyst, Center for Advanced Communications Policy
Salimah@cacp.gatech.edu

Salimah LaForce is an Information Analyst for the Center for Advanced Communications Policy. She conducts policy and industry research and analysis for CACP’s emergency communications initiative.  In this capacity she also works with the Wireless RERC’s WEC project, coordinating field trials, analyzing data, and most recently serving as conference manager.  Salimah formerly served as the Program Manager for the Wireless RERC and Project Coordinator for GCATT’s Office of Technology, Policy and Programs. Salimah earned her BA in English literature from Agnes Scott College in 1998.

Helena Mitchell, PhD
Principal Investigator, Wireless RERC; Executive Director, Center for Advanced Communications Policy
Helena@cacp.gatech.edu

Helena Mitchell, Ph.D is the Executive Director of the Center for Advanced Communications Policy. She guides the development of the technology policy agenda and creates programs and services to strengthen Georgia's leadership in advanced technology. Dr. Mitchell holds the rank of Principal Research Scientist for the Georgia Institute of Technology and is the Principal Investigator and Director for the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on mobile wireless technologies for persons with disabilities. She has held executive level positions as a regulatory and policy official for the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration in Washington, D.C. She was the former Chief of the Emergency Broadcast System; creator of innovative programs and policies to increase telecommunications opportunities and expand dialogue with advanced technology companies; and developed partnerships both domestically and internationally.

Representative Bob Smith
Georgia House of Representatives
smith98@bellsouth.net

Representative Smith began his political career with his election to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1998. He is currently serving as the Vice Chairman of Appropriations for the Higher Education Sub-Committee. The Vice Chairman is also a member of the Rules, Public Utilities and Telecommunications and Reapportionment Committees. He is also the Chairman of the Higher Education Funding Formula Study Committee. Representative Smith also serves as a Board Member of the Athens Technical College Foundation, Fiscal Affairs & Government Operations Committee of the Southern Legislative Conference and the Heartland Institute Board of Legislative Advisors. Born and raised in Oconee County, Representative Bob Smith went on to attend the University of Georgia, graduating with his BBA in 1976.