COAT - Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology
Organization size: Founding organizations include Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD), the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), and the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). As of April 10, 2009, over 230 national, regional, state or local organizations are members of the COAT
Key product/service items: Advocacy, research, publishing
Accessibility website overview: The website offers an in-depth news, analysis, blog and publications section on issues related to the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (21st CVAA), media accessibility and advocacy. It’s got a unique section on ‘Best Practices, highlighting news about positive strides made in the industry: http://coataccess.org/taxonomy/term/1
Also, check out the COAT Affiliates section: National organizations are listed first (total 122), followed by state and community-based organizations, listed alphabetically by state (195), for a grand total of 317 affiliate organizational members representing the interests of people with disabilities across America: http://coataccess.org/node/2
Key statements on ICT product and services accessibility: COAT advocates for accessibility and usability of technology for people with disabilities. Enacting the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (21st CVAA) was a huge step forward and we are working to implement this new law. COAT’s overall aim is to ensure accessibility, usability, and affordability of all broadband, wireless, and Internet technologies for people with disabilities.
COAT's primary goal is to ensure that legislative and regulatory safeguards are in place so people with disabilities have access to evolving high speed broadband, wireless, and other Internet-based technologies.
COAT has identified two main areas for advocacy: Communication Access and Video Programming Access. COAT is therefore targeting the Communications Act for some updates. Here are some of the things that COAT is trying to achieve in each of these areas. COAT is working with Congress to develop new legislation to include these needed changes to existing law. COAT also works to change federal regulations, such as at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), to achieve our goals.
Key areas of accessibility work:
Contact information:
Website: http://coataccess.org/?q=contact
Email: info@COATaccess.org