[nfbwatlk] FW: [Wcb-l] FW: FCC ADOPTS NEW RULES TO MAKE VIDEO DEVICES ACCESSIBLE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Tue Nov 26 18:45:06 UTC 2013

Good news, but what about the Nook, Kindle, and other reading machines?

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbwatlk [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Mike
Freeman
Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 2013 10:39 AM
To: nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nfbwatlk] FW: [Wcb-l] FW: FCC ADOPTS NEW RULES TO MAKE VIDEO
DEVICES ACCESSIBLE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

From: Wcb-l [mailto:wcb-l-bounces at wcbinfo.org] On Behalf Of Sue Ammeter
Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 2013 9:11 AM
To: wcb-l at wcbinfo.org
Subject: [Wcb-l] FW: FCC ADOPTS NEW RULES TO MAKE VIDEO DEVICES ACCESSIBLE
TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                           NEWS MEDIA
CONTACT:

October 29, 2013
Janice Wise: (202) 418-8165

Janice.Wise at fcc.gov 

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.

Action by the Commission October 29, 2013, by Report and Order and Further
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 13-138).  Acting Chairwoman Clyburn and
Commissioner Rosenworcel with Commissioner Pai approving in part, concurring
in part.  Acting Chairwoman Clyburn, Commissioners Rosenworcel and Pai
issuing statements.

For additional information, contact Adam Copeland at (202) 418-1037 or
<mailto:Adam.Copeland at fcc.gov> Adam.Copeland at fcc.gov or Maria Mullarkey at
(202) 418-1067 or  <mailto:Maria.Mullarkey at fcc.gov> Maria.Mullarkey at fcc.gov.

-FCC-

News and other information about the FCC is available at
<http://www.fcc.gov/> www.fcc.gov

  _____  

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