Captioning
Sen. John Kerry Says It's Time to Knock Down Online Barriers to Ensure No One Excluded from Internet
In a Press Release on May 4, 2010, Senator John Kerry (D-MA), Chairman of the powerful Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology & the Internet, affirmed the principle of inclusion of people with disabilities to activities on the Internet.
Senate bill introduced: "Equal Access to 21st Century Communications Act "(S. 3304)
May 5, 2010, Washington, DC:--The Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology (COAT) thanks Senators Mark Pryor (AR) and John Kerry (MA) for introducing the “Equal Access to 21st Century Communications Act” (S. 3304). The measure is a major step forward for people with disabilities in ensuring accessible technology. Also co-sponsoring are Senators Byron Dorgan and Kent Conrad, both from North Dakota.
Future Media in a Digital Age: COAT Comments to FCC--More Accessibility, Please!
On May 3, 2010, COAT sent Comments to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in a docket entitled "Examination of the Future Media and Information Needs of Communities in a Digital Age." This "Future of Media Project" will produce a report that will lead to policy recommendations. COAT's comments addressed the overwhelming need for information in accessible formats, devices that pass through embedded accessibility, and usability of controls to navigate content.
COAT Affiliates Meet with Google on Captioning Technologies
On April 20th, 2010 several COAT organizations met with Google for an update on their captioning system for YouTube and related technologies.
COAT Leaders Put on Goggles for Comcast 3D TV Demonstration: Captioning Pending
On April 8, 2010 COAT leaders Jenifer Simpson of AAPD and Rosaline Crawford of NAD, tried on the goggles or special glasses to see some 3-D television.
FCC Commissioner Baker Uses Captioned Telephone Service
Airline Passenger Rights Group Presses For Accessible Flight Entertainment
On March 23, 2010, the Association for Airline Passenger Rights (AAPR) sent a national sign-on letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood asking DOT to require accessibility of in-flight video entertainment.
Access Board Issues Long Awaited ICT Proposed Rules
COAT was pleased to see issuance of a draft "Section 508" final rule on March 22, 2010 by the U.S. Access Board, entitled "Draft Information & Communication Technology (ICT) Standards and Guidelines," now popularly referred to as "the ICT rules." This draft is about updating standards for electronic and information technology and telecommunications accessibility guidelines for government purchases.
Closed Caption button on remote.