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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
MERYL ICOVE NAMED DIRECTOR, FCC DISABILITIES ISSUES TASK FORCE
The Disabilities Issues Task Force was formed in March 1995 by Chairman Reed Hundt to monitor developments in all lanes of the Information Superhighway and to ensure that new technologies are accessible to all Americans. The Task Force conducts outreach to the telecommunications accessibility community and promotes accessibility-related policies in a variety of FCC proceedings.
As Special Assistant to the Chief of the Cable Services Bureau, Icove serves as a liaison between the Bureau and Commissioners' offices on numerous policy matters related to cable television and the development of competition in the video marketplace. In that capacity, she has also been involved in proceedings regarding closed captioning, video description, and rules for the emergency alert system. As Director of the Disabilities Issues Task Force, Icove will oversee the Task Force's efforts to ensure that access for persons with disabilities remains central to the FCC's efforts to bring the benefits of the telecommunications revolution to all parts of our society.
Chairman Reed Hundt praised Icove's work with the Cable Services Bureau and her commitment to furthering the Commission's access-related agenda. Said Hundt, "Meryl Icove brings a prodigious amount of talent and energy to her work. Having her direct the FCC's Disabilities Issues Task Force underscores our commitment to making sure that Americans with disabilities participate fully in the Information Age."
Commissioner James Quello heartily supported the appointment, stating, "Meryl Icove has a proven track record with respect to her leadership and organizational skills. We can be assured that the Disabilities Task Force will continue its important work under her guidance."
Commissioner Susan Ness commented, "Meryl will continue the excellent progress made by the Disabilities Issues Task Force thus far. I am pleased she has been chosen to lead the Task Force and emphasize the critical role it plays in helping the Commission ensure that all Americans are included in our policies."
Commissioner Rachelle Chong said, "I've worked closely with Meryl and am delighted she will lead our Disabilities Issues Task Force. We have made significant progress on these issues in the last three years, but there is more important work to be done."
Icove is a 1988 graduate of Cornell University and a 1992 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law School.