“This page is a digitally archived AccessInfo Announcement”
On October 7, 2011, the Commission released a Report and Order adopting final rules to implement a major part of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (“CVAA”).
The CVAA added Section 716 and Section 717 to the Communications Act. Section 716 requires providers of advanced communications services and manufacturers of equipment used for advanced communications services to make their services and equipment accessible to people with disabilities, unless it is not achievable to do so. Where it is not achievable to do so, these providers and manufacturers must make their services and equipment compatible with commonly used assistive technologies. Section 717 requires new recordkeeping requirements for these providers and manufacturers and new enforcement procedures for these accessibility obligations.
The Commission also released a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on several issues,including: whether to adopt an exemption for small entities (and what that exemption should be); requirements for Web browsers to be accessible, including Web browsers on smartphones under Section 718; and how to define “interoperable” video conferencing services. Chairman Genachowski and Commissioners McDowell and Clyburn issued separate statements; Commissioner Copps issued a statement approving in part and dissenting in part.
FCC Press Release:
Word: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-310286A1.docx
PDF: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-310286A1.pdf
Text: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-310286A1.txt
Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on advanced communications:
Word: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-151A1.docx
PDF: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-151A1.pdf
Text: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-151A1.txt
Statement by Chairman Genachowski:
Word: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-310286A2.docx
PDF: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatchDOC-310286A2.pdf
Text: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-310286A2.txt
Statement by Commissioner McDowell:
Word: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-310286A4.docx
PDF: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatchDOC-310286A4.pdf
Text: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-310286A4.txt
Statement by Commissioner Clyburn:
Word: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-310286A5.docx
PDF: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatchDOC-310286A5.pdf
Text: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-310286A5.txt
Statement by Commissioner Copps:
Word: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-310286A3.docx
PDF: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatchDOC-310286A3.pdf
Text: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-310286A3.txt
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, contact: David Hu at (202) 418-7120 or David.Hu@fcc.gov; or Rosaline Crawford at (202) 418-2075 or Rosaline.Crawford@fcc.gov.