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
The Innovation Framework: A Civil Rights Approach to AI
Technology is not innovative if it harms people or leaves anyone behind. True innovation means technology works for all of us, especially communities historically pushed to the margins. People of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, Limited English Proficient people, older individuals, religious minorities, and immigrants all deserve technology that works for them. This Framework serves as a proactive vision for how emerging technology products, tools, and services, with a focus on AI, can be rights inclusive, safe, and equitable for all people.
Rural Wireless Association Comments to the FCC In Re: Delete, Delete, Delete
The Rural Wireless Association submitted remarks to the Federal Communications Commission in response to the In Re: Delete, Delete, Delete request for comments. RWA made three suggestions:
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.