[Nfbf-l] FCC adopts TV rules for blind and deaf

[Sherrill O'Brien]

Hi Sherri and all,

This certainly sounds promising, but do we know how long they have to
implement these standards? Our set top box drives us crazy! A good first
step, for sure.
Sherrill


-----Original Message-----
From: Nfbf-l [mailto:nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org]On Behalf Of Sherri
Sent: Wednesday, October 30, 2013 11:09 AM
To: nfbf-l at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Nfbf-l] FCC adopts TV rules for blind and deaf


It sounds like quite a step forward.


Sherri

FCC adopts TV rules for blind and deaf
By Julian Hattem

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted rules that should
make it easier for blind and deaf people to use their televisions.
The regulations finalize a major component of the agency's effort to update
the way that people with disabilities use modern technology like TV, smart
phones and the Internet.

"I'm proud that, as a result of today's action, 25 million Americans who are
blind or visually impaired will be able to navigate menus on a range of
devices that show video programming, and an additional 36 million deaf and
hard of hearing Americans will be able to activate closed captions easily,"
acting FCC Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn said in a statement.

"Once these rules take effect, people who are blind or visually impaired
will be able to quickly find a news channel during an emergency or tune in
to their favorite show as readily as sighted people."

The rules require set-top cable boxes, tablets and other devices can audibly
read out on-screen text menus and guides.

Advocates for the blind and visually impaired say that will allow them to
easily navigate their TVs and understand what's playing on different
channels.

Other provisions of the rules require that the devices allow people to press
a button or icon to turn on closed captioning, which is used by the deaf and
people with hearing disabilities.

The rules are the last major ones the FCC is issuing to implement the 21st
Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act, which passed in 2010.

Previous rules have required that Internet browsers on smart phones,
emergency television alerts and other devices are accessible to blind and
deaf people.



Sherri

Character is the side of yourself you choose to show the world.
Integrity is what you do, what you say and how you act when you think no one
is paying attention.
Sherri Brun
NFBF Newsline Chair
flmom2006 at gmail.com
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