20210212-2B MCPD Resolution to Replace Mention of TTY in City of Austin Facilities — original pdf

Recommendation

BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Mayor’s Committee on People with Disabilities Recommendation Number: 20210212-2B: A Resolution to Replace Mention of TTY in City of Austin Facilities WHEREAS, teletypewriters (TTY) are an outdated and rarely used means of communication within the Deaf community; WHEREAS, the City of Austin, being home to the Texas School for the Deaf, has a large local vibrant, and very engaged Deaf community; WHEREAS, the City of Austin prides itself on both being aware of all current technologies and constantly striving to achieve cultural inclusion; WHEREAS, cultural inclusion and awareness of current technology must include fully include people with disabilities and people with disabilities must fully include the Deaf community and their preferred and current means of communicating with all City personnel and facilities; WHEREAS, the City of Austin itself no longer even uses TTY as a means of communication with the Deaf community and had already replaced TTY devices with VRS, but had not already updated corresponding references in City publications; WHEREAS, having provided current communications information is part of ensuring a government which works for all. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities recommends that the City of Austin replace all existing references to TTY which are still currently being printed in official City publications with Video Relay Services (VRS) in order to effectively facilitate appropriate and equitable public communications with the Austin, Texas Deaf community.  Date of Approval: 02/12/21 Record of the vote: Unanimous on a 7-0 vote Attest: David Ondich (Mayor’s Committee for people with Disabilities City Staff Liaison)