Equal Access to 21st Century Communications Act Passed by Senate!

On August 5th, 2010, the Senate passed the Equal Access to 21st Century Communications Act (S3304). The House passed its version (the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act, HR3301) on July 26th, 2010.

The new legislation helps to close the digital divide for individuals with sensory disabilities.

Some highlights include:

Requiring captions for television content that appears online.

Mandating mobile phone companies make Web browsers, text messaging and email on smart
phones fully accessible where feasible.

Providing $10m in funding each year for assistive technology for deaf-blind individuals to access relay services.

Requiring the phase-in of video description for the top TV and cable channels in the most populated markets.

Learn more about it at www.coataccess.org