From: <JOANCASSDY@aol.com>

To: NTIADC40.NTIAHQ40(piac)

Date: 6/13/98 1:56pm

Subject: Public%20Comment

Since I lost my hearing, I rely almost totally on closed captioning for

entertainment. I can no longer go to the theater, movies, lectures, or

meetings, and even family gatherings are very difficult, so I watch (with my

family) a lot of captioned television and videos. I am concerned that

digital TV will not be accessible to me if there is no requirement for closed

captioning. The hearing world may think digital is a wonderful improvement

but it would be horrible if the millions of Americans with hearing loss are

left out.

How sad if one of the wealthiest countries in the world shut out so many of

its own citizens. Please don't let this happen, make sure that digital TV

is for everyone. Who knows, one day you may rely on captioning yourself.

Joan Cassidy

119 South Fox Rd

Sterling VA 20164