Ameritech was the local telephone service provider for several Midwestern states, including Ohio, from 1984 to 1998. The committee referenced in this series was created by Ameritech to help extend its services to those who had difficulty with telephone use, including the elderly, low-income, and disabled. Mr. Lankenau served as the deaf community’s representative on this committee. See series 13 and 15 for more on Ameritech.