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=- -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!150!140!Joe.Chamberlain Internet: Joe.Chamberlain@f140.n150.z1.fidonet.org
Russell.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 -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!3!620!240!Russell.Hunt Internet: Russell.Hunt@f240.n620.z3.fidonet.org
Eric.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. -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!115!778.1!Eric.Bohlman Internet: Eric.Bohlman@p1.f778.n115.z1.fidonet.org
Charlotte.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 -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!382!5!Charlotte.Ferris Internet: Charlotte.Ferris@f5.n382.z1.fidonet.org
Vixen@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 -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!203!11!Vixen Internet: Vixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.org
Jack.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 -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!249!9.14!Jack.Colley Internet: Jack.Colley@p14.f9.n249.z1.fidonet.org