“This page is a digitally archived AccessInfo Announcement”

In 2013, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted rules to require certain mid-sized and smaller cable, satellite, and fiber television service providers to make on-screen text menus and program guides provided by set-top boxes accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired by December 20, 2018. 

On November 2, 2018, the FCC’s Media Bureau granted two small groups of cable systems waivers of the requirement to make on-screen text menus and program guides accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

On November 5, 2018, the FCC’s Media Bureau released a Public Notice reminding the remaining covered service providers about the December 20, 2018 compliance deadline. 

Links to Memorandum Opinion and Order Granting Waivers:
URL:     https://www.fcc.gov/document/media-bureau-grants-aca-accessible-user-interfaces-waiver-petition
Word:    https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-18-1130A1.docx
PDF:      https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-18-1130A1.pdf
Text:      https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-18-1130A1.txt

Links to Public Notice:
URL:     https://www.fcc.gov/document/reminder-accessible-user-interfaces-deadline
Word:    https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-18-1132A1.docx
PDF:      https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-18-1132A1.pdf
Text:      https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-18-1132A1.txt

For more information about the Commission’s requirements for accessible set-top box user interfaces, please visit https://www.fcc.gov/television-and-set-top-box-controls-menus-program-guides.  For specific questions, contact Maria Mullarkey of the FCC’s Media Bureau, Policy Division, at Maria.Mullarkey@fcc.gov or (202) 418‐2120.  Individuals who are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) may call the FCC’s ASL Consumer Support Line at (844) 432‐2275 (videophone).  Individuals using a text teletypewriter (TTY) may call the FCC’s TTY number at (888) 835-5322.

 

Updated:
Friday, September 13, 2019