The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) ispleased 
to have the opportunity to respond to the proposed regulations for Telecommunicatons 
Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech
Disabilities. ASHA is the national professional and scientific association that represents nearly 
93,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, 
and hearing scientists, who research the acoustic, physiological, and linguistic aspects of
communication and provide habilitation and rehabilitation
services to children and adults with speech, language, and/or hearing disabilities. As part of these
services, our professionals increase communication skills in a broad range of everyday life
activities, including telephone use. 20 ASHA has a long history of involvement in federal
initiatives that promote communication access for people with disabilities. ASHA participated in
the Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) Act negotiated rulemaking process, attended the 1996
Wireless Telephone Summit, was a member of the subsequent hearing aid compatibility working
group, and served as a  member of the Telephone Access Advisory Committee (TACC) of the
Architectural and Transportation Advisory Board (the Access Board). Through a grant from the
Department of Justice, ASHA also developed communication-specific accessibility guidance for
the Americans with Disabilities Act. Telecommunications are an essential component of how we
work, do business, socialize, take care of basic needs, and, in general, live safely and
independently.  
Telecommunications are especially critical for people with disabilities since they are a means of  
preventing, reducing, and even eliminating the social and physical isolation for which people
with disabilities are highly at risk.
ASHA's specific comments to the proposed rule are attached. Thank you for 
considering our recommendations as you prepare the final regulation. If you need additional
information, please feel free to contact  Charles Diggs, Ph.D., (301) 897-0151, at our National =
Office. If you prefer, his electronic mail address is CDiggs@asha.org.

Sincerely,

Nancy B. Swigert
President 
Response of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Re:
CC Docket No. 98-67; FCC 98-90
Telecommunication Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services
July 20, 1998