To Whom It May Concern:
I am supportive of the various comments pushing for full access for all deaf and hard of hearing individuals in passenger vehicles.
In particular, I would like to emphasize that:
1. All televisions and other audio-video displays in the vessel terminal (e.g., passenger lounges or club facilities) shall have closed caption display capabilities. The closed captioning capabilities shall be left on at all times when the television or video display is in operation.
2. At least one TTY and videophone shall be available whenever phones are available on a vessel. Phones and other on board telecommunications equipment shall also be in compliance with the Hearing Aid Compatibility Act, 47 U.S.C. Section 610, and Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Please do not overlook the importance of videophones as this is increasingly becoming the main telecommunication equipment for many deaf individuals.
3. Vessel service providers ensure that qualified individuals with a disability, including those with visual and auditory disabilities, have real-time access through appropriate visual, auditory or tactile accommodations to the same information in clear, understandable format as the carrier provides to other passengers.
a. This includes, but is not limited to, information concerning ticketing, check-in, scheduled departure and arrival times, delays or changes, vessel changes, weather conditions, beverage and menu information, boarding information, connections, port assignments or changes, checking of luggage or vehicles, weather the availability of frequent user benefits, individuals being paged, and emergencies.
b. Carrier and airline contractor personnel shall be trained to proficiency to communicate in a clear, understandable manner through appropriate visual, auditory or tactile accommodations with qualified individuals with a disability, including those with visual and auditory disabilities.
Thank you for your time.
Kelby Brick
Catonsville, MD