The federal agency tasked with regulating telephones, television and other communications technology is looking for advice on how to better serve people with disabilities.

The Federal Communications Commission is convening a disability advisory committee for the first time.

The 40-member panel, which will hold its first meeting in March, will advise and provide recommendations to regulators on topics ranging from the accessibility of 911 services to closed captioning and telecommunications relay services.

Members include executives from major players like Yahoo, Verizon, AT&T and Comcast in addition to advocates from disability organizations, consumers and government officials.

“This new committee will provide sorely needed expertise and recommendations from consumer and industry stakeholders on communications and video programming issues,” FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said. “We look forward to using this expertise to improve our ability to meet the needs of consumers with disabilities.”

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