Mobile Browsers Must be Accessible Under New 21st CVAA Rules

On April 26, 2013, the Federal Communications Commission adopted landmark new rules to ensure browsers on mobile devices will be accessible to people with disabilities.

For example, this means a blind or low vision person will have the same access to content available on the Internet that other smart phone users can get to. In this FCC Order federal regulators affirmed that manufacturers of equipment that include Advanced Communications Services (ACS) --that is, companies that make computers, laptops, tablets, and other devices -- and that provide or install Internet browsers with that equipment now must ensure that this equipment and software, including browsers, are accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, unless doing so is not achievable. The new rule goes into effect October 8, 2013.