FCC’s Broadband Plan Endorses Accessibility
By Robitalle, Suzanne; abledbody,Publication Date: March 16, 2010
Article reports on implications of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) National Broadband Plan for Americans with disabilities. The plan, which was submitted to Congress on March 16, 2010, addresses disabilities and access issues in four ways: (1) updating of accessibility laws, rules, and related subsidy programs to cover Internet Protocol (IP)-based communications and video programming technologies including hearing aid compatible equipment such as smart phones, and captions and audio descriptions added to web programming such as Hulu; (2) the forming of a White House working group to focus on maximizing broadband adoption by people with disabilities; (3) the establishment of an Accessibility and Innovation Forum to allow manufacturers, service providers, assistive technology companies, third party application developers, and government representatives to share best practices and demonstrate new assistive technologies; one initiative mentioned is an FCC sponsored Apps for Inclusion contest with the grand prize of 100,000 dollars; and (4) the creation of the Connect America Fund, which would include funding to provide assistive technologies enabling individuals who are deaf or blind to access broadband services and to give competitive awards to developers of innovative assistive technologies that promote access to broadband.
Published by: abledbody (Website:http://abledbody.com/)
Link to text: http://abledbody.com/profoundlyyours/2010/03/16/
