Other Press Releases

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:

Senate Press Release:

August 6, 2010. Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA) noted the Senate passage of S. 3304, stating “I am extremely pleased that last night the Senate passed a companion bill to the one I authored in the House to ensure accessibility for Americans with disabilities."

August 10, 2010. The American Association of People (AAPD) with Disabilities and the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) applaud the U.S. Senate for its passage of the "Twenty-first Century Communications & Video Accessibility Act" (S.3304).  “This is a significant victory for all people with disabilities,” said Tony Coelho, AAPD’s board chair.

On August 9, 2010, the Video Systems Committee of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) launched a working group to develop standards for accessibility of  video devices. One of seventy CEA working groups, "R4 WG19" will develop standards and guidelines for accessibility of video devices. The group expects participation from consumer electronics manufacturers, including designers, engineers, manufacturers, users with disabilities and accessibility design specialists.

By JIM ABRAMS, The Associated Press, Monday, July 26, 2010; 8:18 PM

WASHINGTON -- The House on Monday celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act by approving legislation assuring that the disabled have full access to the Internet and television.

"The ADA mandated physical ramps into buildings," said Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., sponsor of the bill. "Today, individuals with disabilities need online ramps to the Internet so they can get to the Web from wherever they happen to be."

May 18, 2010, Washington, D.C.-- COAT commends the FCC for again issuing Public Notices about the number of disability-specific complaints it receives per quarter.  However, COAT remains very concerned about the lack of reporting about resolution of these concerns or if any are moved for further action to the FCC's Enforcement Bureau. COAT expects and demands better enforcement of the longstanding federal requirements for accessibility of communications technologies, especially now, in a world of a great technological change.