“This page is a digitally archived AccessInfo Announcement”
On December 19, 2016, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Public Notice to remind the public about the new accessibility requirements that become effective on December 20, 2016.
The new accessibility rules apply to equipment designed to receive or play back video programming, and manufactured or leased on or after December 20, 2016. For example, television and set-top box controls, menus, and program guides must be accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. There are also requirements for simple and easy-to-use ways to activate closed captioning and video description.
The Public Notice also explains the process for filing complaints related to these accessibility requirements.
A fact sheet summarizing the accessibility requirements for television and set-top box controls, menus, and program guides, as well as how to file a complaint, is available on the FCC’s website at https://www.fcc.gov/television-and-set-top-box-controls-menus-program-guides-factsheet.
Links to the Public Notice:
Word: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-16-1416A1.docx
PDF: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-16-1416A1.pdf
Text: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-16-1416A1.txt
For more information about this Public Notice, contact Will Schell, Disability Rights Office, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, at (202) 418-0767 or Will.Schell@fcc.gov. For those using videophones and fluent in American Sign Language, you may call the ASL Consumer Support Line at (844) 432-2275.