To allow Americans with disabilities to experience the benefits of broadband, hardware, software, services and digital content must be accessible and assistive technologies must be affordable.
Accessibility for the Disabled
FCC Requires All Mobile Phones To Be Hearing Aid Compatible
The Federal Communications Commission adopted new rules establishing that 100% of all mobile handsets—such as smartphones—must be compatible with hearing aids. With this change, 48 million Americans with hearing loss will be able to choose among the same mobile phone models that are available to all consumers. Under the new rules, after a transition period, Americans with hearing loss will no longer be limited in their choice of technologies, features, and prices available in the mobile handset marketplace.
FCC Adopts Rules to Improve Access to Video Conferencing Services
The Federal Communications Commission adopted new rules to ensure that people with disabilities can fully participate in video conferencing, including by paving the way for the use of telecommunications relay services (TRS). Building on the FCC’s 2023 Order making clear that video conferencing services must be accessible to people with disabilities under our rules, the FCC voted to enhance the accessibility standards for these online tools.
FCC Adopts Rules to Improve Access to Video Conferencing Services
The Federal Communications Commission adopted new rules to ensure that people with disabilities can fully participate in video conferencing, including by paving the way for the use of telecommunications relay services (TRS).
FCC Announces Tentative Agenda for October 2024 Open Meeting
Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced that the items below are tentatively on the agenda for the October Open Commission Meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 17, 2024:
The Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) will hold its fifth and final meeting of its fifth term. At this meeting, the DAC is expected to (1) discuss reports and recommendations from the working groups on quality Telecommunications Relay Services for individuals with multiple disabilities, online gaming accessibility for individuals who are blind or have low vision, and the use of artificial intelligence to caption live video programming; and (2) address any other topics relevant to the DAC’s work.
The NextGen Accessibility Summit aims to bring together thought leaders, innovators, and advocates dedicated to creating an accessible digital future. Our goal is to foster collaboration, spark new ideas, and drive meaningful change in the realm of accessibility in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Explore how transformative technologies are reshaping the landscape of accessibility. From AI advancements to inclusive design principles, gain insights into the future of accessible technology.
AI could be a game changer for people with disabilities
As a lifelong disabled person who constantly copes with multiple conditions, I have a natural tendency to view emerging technologies with skepticism. Most new things are built for the majority of people—in this case, people without disabilities—and the truth of the matter is there’s no guarantee I’ll have access to them. AI could make these kinds of jumps in accessibility more common across a wide range of technologies.
FCC Announces DAC Renewal and Solicits Membership Nominations
The Federal Communications Commission intends to recharter the Disability Advisory Committee for a period of two years. The FCC is seeking nominations for membership. The mission of the Committee is to make recommendations to the FCC regarding disability issues specified by the Commission.
Digital Equity Act Programs Provide Resources and Support to Persons with Disabilities
July marks the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in every aspect of our society, especially in the digital realm. Individuals with disabilities often experience barriers to digital equity, such as obtaining affordable assistive technologies, encountering inaccessible websites and digital content, and struggling to access reliable Internet service.
Celebrating Disability Pride Month by Embracing Inclusion and Accessibility
As we celebrate Disability Pride Month and the 34th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it’s crucial to recognize the achievements, contributions, and resilience of individuals with disabilities. The digital divide disproportionately affects people with disabilities, making it challenging for them to access the same opportunities and resources as their non-disabled peers.