GE0013@SIUCVMB.BITNET (Roy Miller) (08/20/90)
Index Number: 9881
In a recent posting you asked Ann if she could use the VCO with a
"Y" connector. Well, the new Illinois Relay Center has the VCO
capability too, and I use it all the time. There is absolutely no
problem using it with a "Y" connector with a voice phone on one
side and a TDD on the other side. And, of course, both of the
phones are active so you can either talk to the hearing recipient
of your telephone call or type to the relay operator at any time.
Works slick as a whistle.
There is one problem with the VCO here in Illinois. For some
unknown to me reason, once the VCO link is enabled if you talk too
long without giving the other party a chance to say something then
you are automatically cut off. I don't know why this happens, but
suspect that it has to do with the technology being used by the
relay operators. Some of that is proprietary so I am not sure if
questions about the problem would produce technically acceptable
answers from the telephone company. In any event, you quickly get
into the habit of asking "can you hear me" to give the other party
a chance to say something real quick.
You mentioned that you were going to Washington for the ANSI A117
committee hearings. I know you are the SHHH representative on that
committee, but I would like to know more about exactly what the
committee does. If you get a little time, could you post an
explanation of the makeup, functions, and legislative mandate of
the committee. I would appreciate it greatly.
Roy Miller
The Professor Who Never Listens
But Whose Eyes Hear A LotJack.O'keeffe@f26.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Jack O'keeffe) (08/25/90)
Index Number: 9969
RM> From: GE0013@SIUCVMB.BITNET (Roy Miller)
RM> Message-ID: <13583@bunker.UUCP>
Hi, Roy.
RM> There is one problem with the VCO here in Illinois. For some
RM> unknown to me reason, once the VCO link is enabled if you talk
RM> too long without giving the other party a chance to say
RM> something then you are automatically cut off. I don't know why
RM> this happens,
I think that happens because when you use voice instead of typing,
you by-pass the relay operator. If the operator recieves nothing
for an extended period, the system must time out. I hope we get
our Pennsylvania relay up and running on schedule next month.
RM> You mentioned that you were going to Washington for the ANSI
RM> A117 committee hearings. I know you are the SHHH
RM> representative on that committee, but I would like to know more
RM> about exactly what the committee does. If you get a little
RM> time, could you post an explanation of the makeup, functions,
RM> and legislative mandate of the committee.
Quick answer, Roy, to a question that deserves better. ANSI is the
American National Standards Institute. Like all ANSI standards,
A117 is a "voluntary" standard. There is no legislative mandate
unless and until the standard is adopted or "referenced" by some
governmental body having the authority to legislate. The committee's
charge is writing and maintaining ANSI A-117.1, the "American National
Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities". This
standard is adopted by reference in a few building codes, and is
expected to receive somewhat more respect with the passage of ADA.
Your question re makeup of the committee is most significant. My
prior A117 experience had been with subcommittees or "Task Forces"
which were made up primarily of persons with disabilities or their
advocates. The atmosphere there was supportive and cooperative.
To my dismay, I find that this makeup does not extend to the full
committee. There the disability advocates are outnumbered by 3:1
in the voting membership. Some others represent facility owners
(who don't want to spend money on access), manufacturers of various
hardware products and fixtures (who wish to minimize impact on their
operations), architects (who think they know our needs much better
than we do ourselves), and building code officials (who seem to feel
a need to defend their turf). The parenthetical expressions above
my personal perceptions. I hope the reality is more encouraging.
Results in the committee were mixed. We won some and we lost some,
but it's not over 'till it's over. If you'd like to know more, we
can continue this via netmail. Good to hear from you.
... Jack.
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