There used to be a time, when those working at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or the Commission) barely considered nor acted on the communication needs of deaf and hard of hearing consumers and those with disabilities. Then came Reed Hundt and William Kennard! During their service to you and the country, we are finally seeing an era that fairly allows a competitive market, yet truly protects the public interest in policy practices concerning interstate, and international communications by radio, TV, wire, satellite, and cable. The legislation that has been passed and the rules enacted by the current Commissioners, finally, after years of extremely limited access, begin to reduce the separation of those who HAVE and HAVE NOT solely due to their circumstances.

The driving force behind this communications is my being struck by how very special the current Chairman William Kennard and his Disability Task Force staff is. I have had the opportunity to work with Chairman Kennard in discussion of the Telecommunications Act Section 255 rules as a member of the U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board). I have also had the keen opportunity to observe Chairman Kennard as he spoke at the recent Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc. 30th Anniversary Gala on December 4, 1998. I cannot go far enough in saying how appreciative I am of your appointment of such an intelligent, insightful, and personable man to lead the Commission.

Chairman Kennard strikes me as an individual with a rare talent. He possesses the ability to envision what is needed to protect the public interest, and the conviction to make sure that no one is denied the opportunity to access our exploding realm of telecommunication technology as we move swiftly along into a technology era never experienced by mankind.

As a person who could hear until the age of 13, I was amongst those who HAD the mechanisms to access telecommunications. Simply due to uncontrollable circumstances, I ‘overnight’ became one who no longer had those very avenues, which so many take for granted. If I had the power to choose a man to turn that around in the interest of the public at large, I would indeed choose Chairman Kennard to take on the task to make that difference.

I commend you for appointing Chairman Kennard to steer the FCC in their implementation of the critical Telecommunications Act of 1996, wireless TTY E-911 proceeding, Telecommunications Relay Service rule review and all that lies before us. Chairman Kennard is a rare individual who walks amongst the finest and the most gifted. President Clinton, thank you for allowing William Kennard to be amongst those who can make a difference in the position he holds. By doing so, you have made a difference as well!

Sincerely,


Pamela Y. Holmes, Director
Consumer & Regulatory Affairs
Ultratec, Inc.


cc:Chairman William Kennard
     Meryl Icove, Disability Task Force, Director
     Pam Gregory, Disability Task Force, Deputy Director