[nfbmi-talk] Fw: [leadership] FCC Adopts New Rules to Make Video Devices Accessible to People with Disabilities

[joe harcz Comcast]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Charles Crawford" <ccrawford at RCN.com>
To: <National Capital Area Chapter - ACBM :>; <Maryland Area Dog Guide Users 
Leadership :>; "Blind Democracy" <blind-democracy at octothorp.org>
Cc: <Montgomery County Commission on People with Disabilities :>
Sent: Tuesday, November 05, 2013 9:12 AM
Subject: Fwd: [leadership] FCC Adopts New Rules to Make Video Devices 
Accessible to People with Disabilities



>Hi NCAC members and friends,


         While I suspect that most of you have
already heard about this, here's some good news
for those of us who very much care about access to media programming.

--  Charlie Crawford.

Original message...

>FCC ADOPTS NEW RULES TO MAKE VIDEO DEVICES ACCESSIBLE TO PEOPLE WITH 
>DISABILITIES
>
>Order Represents Final Milestone in FCC's Implementation of Landmark Law
>Making Digital Communications More Accessible
>
>
>
>Washington, D.C. - The Federal Communications Commission today adopted 
>rules that will enable people who are blind or visually impaired to have 
>easier access to digital video programming on a wide range of electronic 
>devices.  The rules will also enable consumers who are deaf or hard of 
>hearing to activate closed captioning on their devices with greater ease.
>
>
>
>This action represents the final major step in the FCC's implementation of 
>the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 
>(CVAA), enacted in 2010 to bring people with disabilities access to the 
>modern and innovative communications technologies of the twenty-first 
>century.  The CVAA is the most significant accessibility legislation since 
>the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  As a result of the FCC's 
>implementation of the CVAA, more than 50 million Americans will have 
>greater access to advanced communications.
>
>
>
>Devices covered under the rules adopted today include navigation devices - 
>devices used to access cable or satellite services, such as set-top boxes 
>and TiVos - as well as other devices used to receive or play back digital 
>video, ranging from televisions and computers to tablets and smartphones. 
>All covered devices are required to provide on-screen text menus and guides 
>that are audibly accessible, as well as a mechanism that is comparable to a 
>button, key or icon for activating certain accessibility features, such as 
>closed captioning.  Devices other than navigation devices are also required 
>to make their other built-in functions accessible.
>
>
>
>The Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking implements 
>Sections 204 and 205 of the CVAA.  Its provisions include flexibility for 
>small entities through extended compliance deadlines, outreach requirements 
>to inform the public about the availability of accessibility options, and a 
>procedure for complaints.  The Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeks 
>comment on a number of areas where the current record is insufficient.
>
>
>
>The CVAA has helped ensure that people with disabilities are not left out 
>of the digital revolution by requiring design features that improve 
>accessibility in telephones and television, as well as on the Internet and 
>in new devices, applications, and services.  The FCC has played a key role 
>in implementing the Act through initiatives that have already provided 
>enormous benefits to consumers, including the following:
>
>·         More than 50 million Americans with disabilities have greater 
>access to advanced communications services, such as text messaging, e-mail, 
>and distant messaging and the equipment used with these services, such as 
>smartphones, personal computers, laptops, and tablets.
>·         36 million Americans who are deaf or have hearing loss can watch 
>television programs with closed captions when those programs are re-shown 
>over the Internet, and soon they will be able to use their cell phones, 
>tablets and other portable wireless devices to watch these programs with 
>captions.
>·         25 million Americans who are blind or visually impaired can enjoy 
>TV programs with video description and send an email or instant message on 
>a smart phone.
>·         Thousands of people who are deaf-blind can receive accessible 
>communication devices so they can make telephone calls and access the 
>Internet, to work, learn, and shop, like everyone else.
>·         Americans with disabilities are able to locate accessible 
>communication products and services through the Commission's new 
>accessibility clearinghouse at 
><http://apps.fcc.gov/accessibilityclearinghouse/>http://apps.fcc.gov/accessibilityclearinghouse/.
>·         And, as a result of today's actions, 25 million Americans who are 
>blind or visually impaired will be able to navigate menus on a range of 
>devices that show video programming, with access to captioning facilitated 
>for an additional 36 million Americans.
>
>



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