Captioning
COAT Position Statement: Expand Closed Captioning Obligations to Internet-based Video Programming
COAT recommendation: Extend closed captioning obligations contained in Section 713 of the Communications Act to previously captioned video programming that is re-distributed over the Internet; extend captioning obligations to certain other web-based video programming.
Expand the Scope of the Television Decoder Circuitry Act
COAT recommendation: Expand the scope of devices that must display closed captions under the Television Decoder Circuitry Act from the present requirement of television sets with screens that are 13 inches or larger, to include video devices of all sizes, including recording and playback devices, that are designed to receive or display analog, digital and Internet programming.
COAT Advocates File Comments at FCC on Accessibility of Video Devices
On August 12, 2010, Comments were due at the FCC in a rulemaking about cable TV (FCC Dockets 00-67 and 97-80). COAT advocates Dana Mulvany, Ronald Vickery and Larry Goldberg filed comments focusing on the accessibility issues that the newer disaggregated television devices now raise, such as pass through and display of captioning, and accessibility for people who are blind or with vision loss. It is expected that the FCC will continue to raise these issues in further rulemakings and it is a great opportunity for advocates to make sure the appropriate technical issues are included.
FCC Report Shows TV Accessibility Complaints Continue to Climb
On August 13, 2010, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued its first quarter 2010 Consumer Complaints Report. Among the general complaints, the quarterly report shows some disability-related consumer complaints/inquiries regarding video description, closed captioning, and emergency access to video programming, as follows:
Justice Dept Seeks Comments on Accessibility of Web Sites, Movie Theaters, 911 Centers and Equipment & Furniture
On July 26, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued four advance notices of proposed rulemaking (ANPRMs) calling for public comments about proposed updates to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These address websites, movie theaters, 911 services and equipment/furniture. COAT affiliates all across the country are expected to contribute to these rulemakings. These ANPRMs gather input that might change the rules. Here they are:
U.S. Senate Passes S.3304 by Unanimous Consent!
August 5, 2010, Washington, D.C.:-- COAT celebrates the passage of the "Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010" (S. 3304) by the U.S. Senate today by unanimous consent. Due to the extraordinary efforts of advocates across the country and in Washington, D.C., COAT has secured a monumental step forward in accessible technology.
U.S. House of Representatives Votes For H.R. 3101, Passes With Large Majority!!
July 26, 2010. COAT is delighted that, on the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 348 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives voted for H.R. 3101, "The Twenty-First Century Communications & Video Accessibility Act." In summary 220 Democrats and 128 Republicans voted for H.R. 3101. See who voted how here.
National Association of the Deaf: H.R. 3101 Heads to House Floor for Vote, Asks Senate for Same
NAD Statement July 22, 2010.
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) applauds and thanks the House Energy and Commerce Committee for voting favorably on July 21, 2010, for the “Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010” (H.R. 3101). Next, H.R. 3101 will be voted on by the members of the U.S. House of Representatives. After that, the NAD will ask the U.S. Senate to promptly pass H.R. 3101.
Closed Caption button on remote.