[Video description can be found below. If you use a screen reader and need to access the English caption file transcript, go to "More..." and click on "Transcript"]

Share your questions and concerns with the FCC by December 7, 2017:
- File your comments online in the Wireline Competition Docket #17-108: Link
- Call the ASL Consumer Support Number: 844-4-FCC-ASL (844-432-2275)

Read NAD's joint statement with other organizations: Link ...


VIDEO DESCRIPTION AND TRANSCRIPT: Zainab is standing inside the NAD Headquarters lobby. A small white NAD logo appears on bottom right corner.

ZAINAB: Net neutrality has become a hot topic across the country this past week. What does it mean for the deaf and hard of hearing community? In 2015, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) set up rules to require net neutrality. These rules require all internet service providers (ISPs) to treat equally everything you do on the Internet, including videophone (VP) relay programs, captioned telephone services (IP-CTS), video calling services like FaceTime and Skype, or videos with closed captions. Right now, you can use your internet connection for anything you want to do. But this might change! The FCC meets on December 14, 2017 to vote on dropping the net neutrality rules that the FCC set up in 2015. This means, for example, ISPs could block you from using FaceTime. This really did happen before 2015, and could happen again. The ISPs could also block, intentionally slow down, or charge more to use search engines, download or upload videos (including calling people via video), or checking emails. However, even if net neutrality is removed, the FCC will continue to require ISPs to tell you what services they will limit so you can choose to buy services from the ISP that will give you what you need. Imagine two companies, both lists services they have with what is included or not. With this comparison, you're able to compare and choose the service provider. Also, relay services and other protections in the Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal accessibility laws will not go away just because net neutrality goes away. Yet, the repeal of net neutrality is still too risky and may block Internet applications and programs that deaf and hard of hearing people need. That’s why we have supported and continue to support net neutrality. We are asking the FCC to keep the net neutrality rules. Thank you.

Video fades to a soft white background with several different font types showing "NAD" very quickly. Copyright video ends with the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) logo centered. Blue text below the logo appears, "A production of the National Association of the Deaf (copyright) 2017 All Rights Reserved".