In 2005, ACB passed a resolution to seek a national exemption from 411 charges for wire line users who are blind or visually impaired. As stated in the resolution, during the print era, paper phone directories were an extremely useful tool for finding local, regional, and national information -- for citizens who could manipulate and see the print pages. But for many disabled citizens, including blind and visually impaired individuals, print phone directories are of limited or no use.
One of the strengths of ACB has always been its ability to collaborate and cooperate with other organizations who share similar goals. The National Office recently came in contact with the Product Stewardship Institute (PSI). PSI is a national non-profit membership-based organization that works with state and local government agencies to partner with manufacturers, retailers, environmental groups, federal agencies, and other key stakeholders to reduce the health and environmental impacts of consumer products.
Of particular interest to us was PSI’s new Phone Book Project. Telephone books represent significant tonnage in the waste stream (640,000 tons per year) and in the spring of 2006, PSI was asked by several state and local government officials to develop a national solution to the problem of unwanted phone books. They have discussed several proposals and are working towards a collaborative process that seeks agreement on joint solutions.
In a letter of support, ACB specifically endorsed phone-based directories as an alternative to print telephone books because of the availability and ease-of-use of such phone-based systems. The letter went on to state that although internet-based directories have become increasingly popular alternatives for such directory information, they are a poor substitute because of the number of blind and visually impaired individuals who do not have internet access on a regular basis. Similarly, many seniors, disadvantaged and low-income citizens who need local services do not have internet resources available either.
Although ACB’s reasons for seeking a decrease in the use of print telephone directories may differ from PSI’s reasons, the goal of developing a system that allows for less paper waste and a system that creates greater accessibility are well-matched. If the money spent on producing and recycling print directories was re-allocated to free phone-based directories, everyone would have easy, accessible information available at home and "on the road."
Day Al-Mohamed
Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs
American Council of the Blind
1155 15th St. NW
Washington DC 20005
Tel. 202-467-5081
dalmohamed@acb.org