WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, June 10, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will announce it is one of the first federal agencies to unveil a dedicated new communications service that allows deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to communicate with the agency directly in American Sign Language (ASL), rather than through typed text or other third-party intermediary services. SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet will launch the customer service initiative alongside Tom Wheeler, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and Dr. T. Alan Hurwitz, President of Gallaudet University. The service is part of the SBA’s continued efforts to make services and programs more accessible to all communities.

WHAT:         Press Conference and Roundtable

WHEN:         June 10, 2015     12:30 pm – – Press Conference

1:15 pm – Roundtable Discussion (Photo Spray at start)

WHO:            SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler

Gallaudet President Dr. T. Alan Hurwitz

WHERE:      Gallaudet University,

Living and Learning Residence Hall 6 (LLRH6) Auditorium

800 Florida Ave NE,

Washington, DC 20002

(Parking Garage on 6th Street, north of Florida Avenue).

HOW:          Media can RSVP and request interviews via Miguel Ayala – Miguel.ayala@sba.gov (link sends e-mail) 202-450-0148

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