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"AARP commends NTIA for releasing this NPRM and initiating corrective measures to ensure the most vulnerable elderly are eligible to receive converter box coupons," the group said in its comments. But, it added, "We urge the NTIA to revise the proposed rule to simplify the process for residents in elderly housing to apply for the coupons, and to place the burden of verifying a coupon application where it should be - on NTIA and its vendor, not the consumer. It is important that the process be simple and accessible for all elderly residents in order to achieve Congress' goal of helping all consumers experience a smooth and successful transition to digital television."
'The proposed regulations would establish a substantially higher burden of proof for identifying and confirming the eligibility of long-term are facility residents and their helpers than for the general population; and they would unnecessarily impede the easier access to converter boxes that you are trying to facilitate," agreed the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, which filed comments on behalf of 21 other entities. The group said NTIA must ensure that "all appropriate facilities are identified and included in ??? waiver standards" and said applicants should simply be asked if they live in one of several types of facilities in order to get a coupon.