Commission to Offer Open Source Video Access Platform to Increase Adoption of Direct Communications Access: “FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler announced on [August 20, 2015] that the  agency will offer an open source video access platform that will enable Americans who are deaf,  hard of hearing, deaf-blind or who have a speech disability to communicate directly with federal agencies and businesses in American Sign Language (ASL). “It is time for people who speak with their hands and hear with their eyes to enjoy modern  advancements in communications technologies,” said Chairman Wheeler at a speech today at the  TDI Conference in Baltimore. “It’s time for you to be able to have your video products work  together, so you can call whomever you wish, whenever you wish, from anywhere. The platform  we are launching has tremendous potential to ensure that you will be able to do this.”  The platform will provide open source applications for mobile and desktop operating systems which – along with direct video calling – will allow for text and high-quality voice communications. In addition, the FCC will provide applications that relay service users can download on their smartphones or desktops in order to communicate directly with agency  representatives. An ASL-user will be able to click on who they want to talk to and the call will  be connected directly to a customer service center staffed by, most commonly, another person who is deaf or hard of hearing who is fluent in ASL. The Commission plans to roll out a beta version later this year with final release schedule for spring of 2016. The FCC’s platform will provide the basic building blocks that are common to any IP-based application. The platform also will establish a set of interoperability standards to be used by today’s two-way video communications providers, ensuring seamless usability while maintaining  freedom of choice for all ASL users. Giving applications developers open access to source code will enable them to provide apps with easy interoperability for those receiving calls.”