The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking comments for its biennial report to Congress as required by the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA).
The commission is asking for public comment on:
- Compliance with mandates for telecommunications and advanced communications services and equipment, such as computers, tablets and mobile phones. These devices, among others, are required to be accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities under the CVAA.
- The accessibility and usability of Internet browsers built into mobile phones.
- The extent to which accessibility barriers still exist with respect to new communications technologies.
- Enforcement requirements on the development and deployment of new communications technologies.
“In light of the ongoing pandemic, we are especially interested in comment on whether people with disabilities are able to access the telecommunications and advanced communications services and equipment necessary to work, study, and obtain healthcare in a remote environment,” the FCC said in a statement. “Since our last biennial report to Congress, accessibility needs have evolved, and we anticipate that this year’s report will highlight specific accessible devices and services, as well as those that may need improvement, in this area.”
Comments will be accepted until April 4, 2022.
The FCC’s report must be submitted to Congress by October 8.