>Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2003 19:44:38 -0600
>From: Kelly Pierce <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: [TECHWATCH]Settlement Announced on Cell Phone Access Complaint
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>A settlement has been announced in the first formal cell phone access
>complaint under Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. I
>normally don't distribute press releases, but this news is too
>significant to hold while we wait for enterprise reporting or me to track
>down all the details and write them up for distribution. I did attempt
>to reach a company spokeswoman tonight to ask for a few more details but
>she was neither at her desk nor reachable on her cell phone at about 8:30
>New York time. I am confident there will be additional details
>forthcoming in the upcoming days and weeks.
>
>Kelly
>
>
> Press release
>
>distributed by PR Newswire
>
> Dr. Bonnie O'Day and Audiovox Announce Settlement in Section 255
>Formal Complaint Proceeding
>
>
> HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., Dec. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Audiovox
>Communications Corp., a majority owned subsidiary of Audiovox
>Corporation (Nasdaq: VOXX), and a leading provider of mobile phones,
>announced today that it has reached a settlement of litigation with Dr.
>Bonnie O'Day concerning the accessibility features of Audiovox mobile
>telephone equipment. In a formal complaint filed with the FCC last
>February, Dr. O'Day, who has impaired vision, had contended that
>Audiovox mobile telephone equipment was not accessible to people with
>visual disabilities to the extent required by the Telecommunications Act
>of 1996. As a result of the settlement, in which Audiovox does not admit
>any violation of law, the parties have moved to have the complaint
>dismissed. The specific terms of the settlement are confidential. The
>parties did disclose, however, that Audiovox is making a number of
>significant improvements. For example, Audiovox's 9900 series, which is
>to be released during December, provides a more accessible keypad and
>audible announcement of certain visually displayed information, such as
>dialed and incoming phone numbers battery power, and roaming status. In
>addition, the company will make instruction manuals and other
>information more user friendly for blind and low vision individuals,
>will develop an accessibility plan for its website, and will undertake
>additional employee training on disability issues. The company is
>currently assessing additional, more advanced speech output capabilities
>for its mobile handsets with a view toward incorporating these
>capabilities in the future. Dr. O'Day hailed the settlement, stating, "I
>filed the complaint because blind and low vision people were frustrated
>with the pace of progress achieved by the wireless industry. Audiovox's
>commitment in this settlement, however, makes them a leader in providing
>wireless access to blind and visually impaired consumers." Audiovox's
>President and CEO, Philip Christopher, added that "As wireless
>technology evolves and our industry provides enhanced communications
>capability to 150 million wireless subscribers in North America, it is
>important to improve wireless access for the 10 million Americans who
>have visual impairments. That's why Audiovox is taking seriously its
>commitment to implementation of Section 255 of the Telecommunications
>Act and our efforts to add value to these subscribers' wireless
>experience."
>
> About Audiovox Corporation Audiovox Corporation is an international
>leader in the marketing of cellular telephones, mobile security and
>entertainment systems, and consumer electronics products. The Company
>conducts its business through two subsidiaries and markets its products
>both domestically and internationally under its own brands. It also
>functions as an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) supplier to
>several customers. For additional information, please visit Audiovox on
>the Web at http://www.audiovox.com.
>
> About Audiovox Communications Corporation Audiovox Communications
>Corp. (ACC), a subsidiary of Audiovox Corporation (Nasdaq: VOXX), is one
>of the leading suppliers of wireless products with more than 15 years of
>experience in the wireless industry. ACC markets its products under the
>brand "Audiovox" or private labels for its customer base. ACC has
>operations and sales offices in 10 countries and through its customer
>base, markets and distributes product in 42 countries on six continents.
>
>For more information, visit http://www.audiovox.com.
>
> Contact: Joan Cear G.S. Schwartz & Co. (212) 725-4500 ext. 309
>
>
>
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------------------------------
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EASI's January, month-long online courses:
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Beginner Barrier-free Web Design http://easi.cc/workshops/easiweb.htm
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(a package of five courses will earn the Certificate in Accessible
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Norman Coombs, Ph.D.
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