Karen Peltz Strauss Joins CSD Board to Enhance Deaf Accessibility Advocacy

Karen Peltz Strauss Joins Communication Service for the Deaf Board

In a significant announcement, Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) has appointed Karen Peltz Strauss to its Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2026. Known for her leadership in disability rights and telecommunications advocacy, Strauss has been an influential figure in advocating for the rights of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals for several decades.

A Pioneer in Advocacy

Karen Peltz Strauss’s dedication to accessibility issues began in the 1980s, and her impact on federal policy has been profound. Her work has directly influenced landmark legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the federal requirements for closed captioning that stemmed from the 1996 amendments to the Communications Act. Her contributions extend to the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) and the Hearing Aid Compatibility Act of 1988, among others.

Christopher Soukup, CEO of CSD, expressed enthusiasm for her appointment, highlighting Strauss’s unique blend of legal expertise and collaborative spirit. He remarked that her extensive background offers valuable knowledge necessary for transforming accessibility into actionable law.

Extensive Experience

Strauss’s career includes notable positions at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), where she last served as Deputy Bureau Chief. In this role, she spearheaded efforts related to disability policy, reviewing accessibility regulations that impact digital and wireless communications. Notably, she played a major role in forming the FCC's Disability Advisory Committee and initiated programs that provide crucial communication technologies to low-income DeafBlind individuals.

Her legal journey includes serving as Legal Counsel with the National Association of the Deaf and overseeing legal efforts at the National Center for Law and Deafness at Gallaudet University—providing invaluable legal assistance across various civil rights issues.

Strauss founded the Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology, which comprises nearly 300 organizations that rallied for the successful passage of the CVAA, demonstrating her ability to mobilize support for essential accessibility initiatives.

A Recognized Leader

Peltz Strauss has not only contributed through her direct advocacy but has also educated others on issues of telecommunications access. She has testified before Congress, addressing critical topics in telecommunications and accessibility, and has presented at numerous national and international conferences, including for the United Nations.

Her work has earned her several prestigious awards, such as the FCC Chairman's Award for Advancement in Accessibility and the National Access Award from the Hearing Loss Association of America. Furthermore, in recognition of her contributions, telecommunications organizations present a policy award in her name biannually.

Forward with CSD

Expressing her excitement about joining the CSD Board, Strauss stated, "I am extraordinarily honored and excited to join the CSD Board of Directors. Throughout my career, I have deeply admired CSD's longstanding commitment to advancing telecommunications access and equality for people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. I look forward to collaborating with my fellow board members to build on CSD's remarkable legacy and help shape its continued impact into the future."

Peltz Strauss joins a dedicated Board of Directors at CSD, including Lori Breslow (Board Chair), Brendan Gramer, Shireen Hafeez, Michael McLaurin (Finance Committee Chair), and Elise Nye. Together, they aim to further CSD’s mission of creating innovative solutions that amplify the voices of Deaf individuals and ensure their rights are recognized and upheld.

About Communication Service for the Deaf

Since its inception in 1975, Communication Service for the Deaf has been a leading entity in promoting accessibility and providing solutions tailored to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. CSD emphasizes leadership development and employment opportunities, striving to create a world where all individuals, regardless of their hearing ability, can thrive.

For more information about their initiatives or to get involved, visit csd.org and follow them on social media.