Laura Remson Mitchell Re: FCC proposed rules for implementing "Access to Telecommunications Services, Telecommunications Equipment, and Cilstomer Premises Equipment by Persons with Disabilities" TO: FCC I am writing to urge that you make the telecommunications access regulations as strong as possible. I understand that your proposed regulations would, among other things, limit access requirements only to the most "basic" services, which would *not* necessarily include things like e-mail and future innovations that could prove very important to people with disabilities. Please recognize that telecommunications is a lifeline for many of us. Some would be completely isolated were it not for e-mail contact. I myself have a disability (multiple sclerosis) that makes it difficult and/ or expensive for me to get to certain places associated with the work I do. Thanks to telecommunications services and equipment (currently, a cordless telephone with a headset, a fax machine, e-mail and Internet access), I have been able to work by teleconunuting from a home office for about 10 years, earning income and paying taxes. Without access to this technology, that wouldn't have been possible. At this point, my condition allows me to use the existing telecommunications system, but MS is a chronic, unpredictable and often progressive disease that can affect any part of the body at any time, either temporarily or permanently. If my symptoms change, and new technology exists to assure that I have continued access to the same telecommunications services as everyone else, I should be able to use it. That, certainly, would be in keeping with the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. And that's what the regulations should assure. As the telecommunications industry develops further, it is essential for those of us with disabilities to have equal access to the new technologies. Limiting accessibility requirements to only so-called basic services would betray that principle. On the other hand, continued access to the latest telecommunications technology will be important in allowing me and others like me to keep up with the changing world around us, including new job demands. I know that cost may be a concern in establishing these regulations, but you need to recognize the high cost of *not* providing broad access to telecommunications as well--including but not limited to loss of the productivity and commercial activity that otherwise could be generated by people with disabilities. I also urge you to stay as close as possible to the spirit and concepts incorporated into the Americans with Disabilities Act when you define terms like "readily achievable." Once again, it is important to remember that there is a high "opportunity cost" to *not* assuring access--both for the individual who is denied access and for our country. Thank you for your consideration. Laura Remson Mitchell People with disabilities: A resource to recognize, *not* a problem to solve! (c) 1998, Laura Remson Mitchell e-mail: af752@ lafn. org