WASHINGTON-Verizon Wireless and Audiovox Communications Corp. are in settlement negotiations with a blind woman who earlier this year filed a complaint against the two firms at the Federal Communications Commission, alleging the companies violated disability provisions of the 1996 telecom act.
Dr. Bonnie O’Day claimed in a Feb. 21 complaint that her Audiovox wireless phone was difficult to use because many features, such as caller ID and one-touch dialing, were delivered through visual display.
Lawyers for the parties submitted a joint statement to the FCC July 29, notifying the agency of settlement talks and proposing to report back to federal regulators by Sept. 30.
The case potentially has major implications for the wireless industry, which in July was ordered by the FCC to begin making and distributing mobile phones that are compatible with hearing aids.
