On April 27, 2022, the FCC released a Public Notice to invite comment to refresh the record on the coverage of rules to enable people with disabilities to access and use interoperable video conferencing services.
Under the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, companies that provide “interoperable video conferencing services” are required to make such services accessible and usable by people with disabilities, unless it is not “achievable” to do so. To clarify which services are covered by this requirement, the FCC invited additional comments on the meaning of the word “interoperable” in the context of video conferencing services and equipment. The FCC asked multiple questions, including the types of video conferencing services currently available in the current marketplace, that may lend clarification about the kinds of video conferencing services that must be accessible.
Comments and reply comments are due 30 and 60 days respectively after publication in the Federal Register. Comment due dates will be announced in a future Public Notice and AccessInfo announcement.
Links to Public Notice:
URL: https://www.fcc.gov/document/pn-refresh-record-re-interoperable-video-conferencing
Word: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-22-463A1.docx
PDF: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-22-463A1.pdf
Text: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-22-463A1.txt
For general information about the CVAA, visit https://www.fcc.gov/general/twenty-first-century-communications-and-video-accessibility-act-0. For further information, please contact Darryl Cooper, Disability Rights Office, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, at (202) 418-7131 or Darryl.Cooper@fcc.gov. Individuals who use videophones and are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) may call the FCC’s ASL Consumer Support Line at (844) 432‐2275.