According to the US Census Bureau, there are approximately 56.7 million Americans with disabilities. Despite this large number of consumers and users of technology, many modern digital technologies remain inaccessible.
According to the Coalition of Organizations on Accessible Technology (COAT), under current federal law, only a small percentage of video programming must include audio descriptions for users who are blind or low-vision. Many people with disabilities face barriers in the workplace due to video conferencing services that lack necessary accessibility features such as closed captioning and compatibility with screen reading software. Audio descriptions and closed captioning on television sets are not easy to access and activate. Deaf people who communicate in American Sign Language (ASL) face accessibility barriers to emergency services.
On July 25, 2023, lawmakers introduced the Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act (CVTA) in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Building on previous accessibility standards passed in 2010, the CVTA introduces expanded accessibility standards to reflect emerging products and services. This includes directives to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish and regularly update their accessibility standards, including closed captioning and audio description quality standards.
The bill also expands communication access by requiring video conferencing services to have built-in accessibility features and the ability to connect with assistive technologies, including American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, captioning, visual image descriptive services, telecommunications relay services (TRS), screen readers, braille displays, and hands free and voice control technologies.
The CVTA expands the scope of the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program to reach a greater number of eligible people who could benefit from receiving accessible communications devices. The expanded guidelines ensure that Deaf people who use ASL have equitable access to 911 emergency services through the use of direct video calling, TRS, and one step wireless access that can deliver location information to 911 emergency centers.
The FCC will be required to ensure text-based telephone access for people who are Deaf and hard-of-hearing after the full migration to digital telephone technologies.
The CVTA will require video programming devices, such as televisions and computers, to include features that allow easy activation and customization of closed captioning and audio description preferences and compatibility with assistive technologies, such as braille, sip & puff, and voice control technologies. It will also direct the FCC to establish standards that ensure the visibility of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters when these individuals are used on news and other video programming.
Accessible technology enables people with disabilities to remain productive, informed, entertained, and connected. The CVTA of 2023 works to ensure people have equal access to communications products and services. The CVTA also impacts businesses, ensuring they can successfully make communication technology more equitable in the workplace.
Call to Action
- Call your two US Senators and tell them to pass S. 2494, the Communications, Video Accessibility, and Technology Act. Find your Senators’ contact information at www.senate.gov.
- Call your Member of the House of Representative and tell them to pass H.R. 4858, the Communications, Video Accessibility, and Technology Act. Find your House Member’s contact information at www.house.gov.
