New Blood in CSD Leadership
The battle to improve communication access just got a new champion, and this one's no stranger to the frontline. Karen Peltz Strauss, renowned for her relentless fight for disability rights and telecommunications access, has just walked into the boardroom of Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD). Effective July 1, 2026, her entry onto the board marks a decisive move by CSD to bolster its leadership with someone who knows how to turn barriers into bridges.
Why Peltz Strauss Is a Game Changer
Peltz Strauss isn't just any advocate. Her fingerprints are all over some of the seminal laws that brought communication access into the 20th and 21st centuries. I'm talking about the gritty work: co-authoring the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, pushing for closed captioning in the '96 Communications Act Amendments, and driving through the Hearing Aid Compatibility Act of 1988. Most recently, her fingerprints were all over the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act. These aren't just words on paper—they're lifelines for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind communities in navigating a world stacked against them.
"Her work and ours have always pointed in the same direction," says Christopher Soukup, CEO of CSD, underlining the perfect synergy.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Influence
The FCC has seen Peltz Strauss's dedication firsthand. She served not once, but twice, overseeing disability policy and hammering out accessibility rules across the board, from digital to wireless and broadcast channels. As if that wasn’t enough, she was instrumental in setting up the FCC's Disability Advisory Committee and the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program—a $10 million per annum commitment to equipping those in need with essential communications tools.
Her early days weren't any less impactful. She cut her teeth as Legal Counsel at the National Association of the Deaf and as a lead attorney at Gallaudet University's legal center. There, she defended civil rights for Deaf and Hard of Hearing folks, tackling healthcare and consumer issues head-on. She then took the fight into the trenches by founding the Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology, a nationwide network pivotal in passing the CVAA.
A Commitment from Grassroots to International Arenas
This isn’t just about national impact. Peltz Strauss has gone global, testifying before Congress, speaking at international conferences, and even knocking on the doors of the United Nations about telecommunications accessibility and disability rights. Her writing, including "A New Civil Right: Telecommunications Equality for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Americans," continues to influence the conversation.
Her efforts have been recognized with accolades like the FCC Chairman’s Award for Advancement in Accessibility and the National Access Award from the Hearing Loss Association of America. These aren't just plaques on a wall—they're testament to her life's work sparking real change.
A Vision for the Future
The synergy between Peltz Strauss and CSD couldn't be clearer; both have consistently strived for equality and access. Her words echo this partnership: "I am extraordinarily honored and excited to join the CSD Board of Directors... I look forward to collaborating with my fellow board members to build on CSD's remarkable legacy."
Joining the likes of Board Chair Lori Breslow and Finance Committee Chair Michael McLaurin, she's not alone. This powerhouse board seems ready to tackle the inevitable hurdles in advancing the rights and opportunities for Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities.
"Throughout my career, I have deeply admired CSD's longstanding commitment," reflects Peltz Strauss, alluding to their shared mission.
Watch closely, because with Peltz Strauss on board, CSD's already strong voice in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing rights advocacy just got a lot louder and more resolute. In a world where communication is key, this feels like a move that’s going to unlock more doors and send a clear message—access is a right, not a privilege.
