34AEJ7D@CMUVM.BITNET (Bill Gorman) (11/07/90)
Index Number: 11611 [Note from Bill McGarry: See the next article for a reply] Do the fees the phone companies are slapping on directory assistance calls strike anyone else as being highly discriminatory against any disABLED individual who, for whatever reason, has difficulty reading a phone book? W. K. (Bill) Gorman
wtm@bunker.uucp (Bill McGarry) (11/07/90)
Index Number: 11612 I believe that most phone companies (or at least SNET here in Connecticut) will waive the directory assistance fees for visually/mobility impaired. The local phone book has one full page devoted to services for the handicapped and to quote: "If an impairment makes it impossible for you to look up numbers in the phone book, call your Service Representative to see if you qualify for exemption from charges to Directory Assistance. If you are already exempt from out-of-state Directory Assistance charges, you automatically qualify for an in-state exemption. No further action is needed." Another section mentions that within Connecticut, you can have the operator make your calls for you at direct dial rates if you are disabled. Bill
Joe.Chamberlain@f140.n150.z1.fidonet.org (Joe Chamberlain) (11/16/90)
Index Number: 11745
BG> From: 34AEJ7D@CMUVM.BITNET (Bill Gorman)
BG> Message-ID: <15516@bunker.UUCP>
BG> Index Number: 11611
BG> Do the fees the phone companies are slapping on directory
BG> assistance calls strike anyone else as being highly discriminatory
BG> against any disABLED individual who, for whatever reason, has
BG> difficulty reading a phone book?
Most local 'phone companies will give free directory
assistance to any disabled individual with a supporting statement
from their doctor. I have perfet eyesight, but as a quadriplegic
have difficulty handling a phone book and information service is
free from my Mid Atlantic Bell system. This was true from
Southern Bell in Florida too.
-=joe=-
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!150!140!Joe.Chamberlain
Internet: Joe.Chamberlain@f140.n150.z1.fidonet.orgRussell.Hunt@f240.n620.z3.fidonet.org (Russell Hunt) (11/17/90)
Index Number: 11762
There are a vast number of critically important issues relating to
ttelecommunications for people with disabilities. Charges for
directory assistance is just one of them.
Here in Australia I've been closely involved in campaigns which have
not only resulted in free directory assistance for people with
disabilities but hace also seen TELECOM Australia provide
specialised equipment to subscribers with disabilities for the same
cost as a normal handset!!!
There are many other vital issues including special pricing policies
for time based services, availability of telecommunications
functionality to people with disabilities, telecommunications
hardware and software design etc. etc. etc.
If your interested in theses issues (or anyone else for that matter)
I'd love to hear from you.
Goodbye from downunder ......... Russell
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Internet: Russell.Hunt@f240.n620.z3.fidonet.orgEric.Bohlman@p1.f778.n115.z1.fidonet.org (Eric Bohlman) (11/19/90)
Index Number: 11845
Here in the Chicago area TDD users get a 25% discount on charges for calls
within the metropolitan area. Also, directory assistance charges are waived
for anyone who can't use a directory.
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Internet: Eric.Bohlman@p1.f778.n115.z1.fidonet.orgCharlotte.Ferris@f5.n382.z1.fidonet.org (Charlotte Ferris) (11/19/90)
Index Number: 11849
In our area, Bill, (Texas, that is), if you provide the phone company with
documentation of a disability which complicates the usage of the phone book,
they will not charge you for your directory assistance calls......
...now, that's the way it was some-odd years ago; I don't know if
they have changed that policy and just grandfathered all the already
"approved" disabled users into the system....hmmm, worth looking into.
Charlotte
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Internet: Charlotte.Ferris@f5.n382.z1.fidonet.orgVixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.org (Vixen) (11/21/90)
Index Number: 11903
Hi Bill,
I thought most states provided free 411 (Directory assistance) for
those who could not use a telephone book? Perhaps like TDD
policies, this is variable from state to state then?
Here in Sacramento, I have free directory assistance, free speed
dailing and Pacific Bell even designed me a hearing aid compatible
amplified telephone that stores numbers and has good redial
function with extra loud extension ringer (which is now not very
loud to me anymore) and also has huge surface buttons for dialing
(for blind and visually impaired) and I have one of their TDD's as
well. All at no charge.
However, I did have to provide certification of blindness and
hearing impairment in order to obtain these services. Plus go visit
the TDD department so that they could make a special phone for me.
I have "heard", that such services are available in most of the
states upon presentation of "certification of disability." Is
there a different policy where you are?
Gosh, come to think of it, I guess Pacific Bell has been one of the
most helpful, complication free organizations to assist me in
keeping in communication with the mainstream world. They never
hassle me or give me headaches and I only have to see them if there
is a problem with their equipment (Hasn't happened yet!) or if I
need to see if they can help me further.
If your area doesn't have such a policy, I sure hope they will get
on the ball and start doing something!!
Keepin' the faith!
. Vixen
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Internet: Vixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.orgJack.Colley@p14.f9.n249.z1.fidonet.org (Jack Colley) (11/21/90)
Index Number: 11920
Hi Vixen,
Allow me to quote the letter you mailed on 14-Nov-90
VL> I thought most states provided free 411 (Directory assistance) for those
VL> who could not use a telephone book? Perhaps like TDD policies, this
VL> is variable from state to state then?
VL>
By supplying a medical certificate that indicates one has a disability
Free operator assistance is provided, no charges are made when dialing
'411', and discounts are provided on certain pieces of telephone
equipment by Bell Canada.
Jack Colley
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Internet: Jack.Colley@p14.f9.n249.z1.fidonet.org