CRTC suspends consultation deadlines for ASL, LSQ interpretation

The CRTC is suspending all deadlines to submit public comments examining the offer and promotion of accessible wireless plans by wireless service providers after multiple groups requested the proposal be made accessible to people who are deaf and hard of hearing. In a Friday release, the commission stated it would suspend all deadlines so it can issue its call for comments in American Sign Language (ASL) and Quebec Sign Language (LSQ) “so interested sign language users could better understand exactly what feedback and information the commission requires,” as requested by the Deafness Advocacy Association Nova Scotia, the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of the Deaf, and Ontario Association of the Deaf, in a letter signed April 22, 2021. The coalition of groups also requested an extension for interventions to be submitted following the issuance of consultation notices in ASL and LSQ. No parties commented on the request, according to the CRTC. “The commission considers that having key information available in ASL and LSQ for people who are deaf or hard of hearing would help develop a fulsome public record in this proceeding. This public record will form the basis for the Commission’s determinations,” the regulator wrote in its Friday release. The CRTC issued a call for comments on the accessibility of “Mobile wireless service plans that meet the needs of Canadians with various disabilities” in June 2020, after its report on Misleading or Aggressive Communications Retail Sales Practices found that “a certain level of dissatisfaction and concern from Canadians with disabilities regarding the accessible wireless plans currently available.” “Many have expressed the view that accessible wireless plans are neither sufficient to meet their needs nor sufficiently promoted. Moreover, Canadians with disabilities have argued that customer service representatives are not sufficiently knowledgeable about accessible wireless plans and have raised concerns related to the availability and accuracy of information being communicated regarding the technology, speed, data allowances, pricing, and discounts,” according to its original June 2020 call for public comments. In response to the report, the commission decided to examine how plans meet the needs of consumers with disabilities. Wireless service providers were asked to submit information on the accessible wireless plans they currently offer, how they promote the availability of its plans and train customer service representatives to assist persons with disabilities. When ready, the ASL and LSQ interpretation videos will be posted on the commission’s website and YouTube page. It will then issue an updated notice for the revised deadlines and “maintain the timelines of 60 days for interventions from the day the sign language videos are made available and an additional 45 days for replies”, it wrote in its Friday release.

CRTC suspends consultation deadlines for ASL, LSQ interpretation

Brief | May 21, 2021

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