“This page is a digitally archived AccessInfo Announcement”
On August 2, 2016, the FCC released a Public Notice to remind covered manufacturers and multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) about the approaching December 20, 2016 compliance deadline for two new requirements:
1. Appropriate built-in functions on digital apparatus (such as play back or display of video programming) must be accessible to and usable by individuals who are blind or visually impaired, if achievable. Such equipment with built-in-closed captioning or or video description capability must include a method that is reasonably comparable to a button, key, or icon for activating closed captioning and video description.
2. The on‐screen text menu and guides provided by set‐top boxes and other navigation devices must be audibly accessible in real-time upon request by individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Also, such navigation devices must include a method that is reasonably comparable to a button, key, or icon for activating the closed captioning.
A compliance guide is available to help small entities comply with the new rules
For more information about the new requirements, please see the Public Notice as linked below.
For more information, contact Maria Mullarkey, Maria.Mullarkey@fcc.gov, of the Media Bureau, Policy Division, (202) 418‐2120. For those using videophones and fluent in American Sign Language, you may call the ASL Consumer Support Line at 844‐432‐2275.