The FCC addresses a variety of disability-related telecommunications matters, including telecommunications relay service, access to telecommunications equipment and services for people with disabilities, access to emergency information and closed captioning. The FCC also provides expert advice and assistance to consumers, industry and others on issues relevant to people with disabilities. The FCC initiates rulemakings for the development of disability policy, conforming with existing disability laws and policies and supporting the goal of increasing accessibility of communications services and technologies.
President Barack Obama signed the 21st Century Communications & Video Accessibility Act of 2010 into law on Oct. 8, 2010.
In light of the CVAA and its congressional mandates, the commission developed the FCC Accessibility Clearinghouse to serve as a hub of information concerning disability rights and the availability of accessible products, services, and accessibility solutions.
The clearinghouse is updated annually and is instrumental in the agency's biennial report to Congress regarding the legislation and how well the CVAA is meeting the needs of the disabled community. We encourage industry to help maintain and grow this resource.
