FCC Takes Critical Steps to Bring Advanced Communications Services to Those With Disabilities

The Federal Communications Commission adopted a Report and Order that implements provisions of Section 104 of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (“CVAA”). The CVAA was enacted to ensure that people with disabilities have access to the modern and innovative communications technologies of the 21st-century and represents the most significant accessibility legislation since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) in 1990.

These rules are necessary steps towards ensuring that the 54 million Americans with disabilities are able to fully use and benefit from advanced communications services. People with disabilities often have not shared in the benefits of rapid technological advancement. For example, only 41% of Americans with disabilities have broadband access at home, compared to the national average of 69%. In addition, today’s mobile phones have evolved into multifunction devices used for e-mail, text messages, and other advanced communications services.

Statistics show that as of 2010, 40% of adults use the Internet, e-mail or instant messaging on a mobile phone, yet not all Americans with disabilities are able to share in these advanced technologies. Implementation of the CVAA is critical in addressing these inequities for both home and mobile broadband adoption.