Wow! This is fantastic! I can't wait until some of these options become
available. Darn, I just bought a new HD TV so I hope I will be able to
modify it and won't have to buy another one.
Thanks, Tom.
Kris
-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Tom Behler
Sent: Wednesday, October 30, 2013 3:17 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Fw: [bardtalk] A Great Victory for us all!
FYI from Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
----- Original Message -----
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 30, 2013 3:08 PM
Subject: [bardtalk] A Great Victory for us all!
ALERT!--YOU DID IT!
New FCC Rules Will Make TV/TV-Like Devices Accessible!
For further information, contact:
Mark Richert, Esq.
Director, Public Policy, AFB
(202) 469-6833
[log in to unmask]
Dear Advocates:
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has just announced that it will
be publishing final regulations requiring that virtually all TV and TV-like
devices must be accessible through audible controls, guides and menus! This
action by the FCC is the result of an unprecedented outpouring by the vision
loss community demanding greater accessibility. Advocates will recall that
there had been attempts by some industry groups to thwart the intent of the
historic Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act
(CVAA) to revolutionize the television viewing experience for people with
disabilities. AFB, along with the American Council of the Blind (ACB)
successfully negotiated with leading industry advocates to craft the
consensus that the FCC ultimately used to adopt their new rules. Under this
consensus, virtually all TV and TV-like devices, inclusive of tablets and
smart phones, receiving digital video programming must be accessible through
audible controls. The rules do apply a slightly different degree of
accessibility requirements on devices that depend on additional equipment,
such as a so-called cable card. However, even in such instances, the devices
must be accessible but will only be required to be provided upon request.
All other devices must be accessible as a matter of course unless the
manufacturer can demonstrate that accessibility was not achievable.
This rulemaking is the last of the many rulemaking proceedings implementing
the CVAA which, along with requirements for described TV programming and
accessible advanced communications services such as text messaging and
email, will forever change the way people who are blind or visually impaired
can fully use and enjoy the most ubiquitous technologies on the market
today.
Once the final official version of the new rules has been published, there
will be more to say about the details. As with all of the FCC's regulations,
they will only work to the extent that our community makes use of them
through ongoing advocacy. And if history is our guide in this regard, these
new rules will be a tremendous success. When our community was called upon
to make our voices heard, you were heard in no uncertain terms. Your
advocacy made this transformative achievement possible. It will be up to all
of us to continue to hold companies accountable for their responsibilities
under these new rules to make their video programming devices fully
accessible to us.
You did it! Congratulations, and thank you!
Mark
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Robert Acosta, President
Helping Hands for the Blind
Email: [log in to unmask]
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You can assist Helping Hands for the Blind by donating your used computers
to us. If you have a blind friend in need of a computer, please mail us at
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