Access Board Updates Requirements for Information and Communication Technology

The Access Board released a final rule that updates accessibility requirements for information and communication technology (ICT) in the federal sector covered by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. The rule also refreshes guidelines for telecommunications equipment subject to Section 255 of the Communications Act.

The rule will take effect in one year. The Section 508 standards, which are incorporated into the federal government’s procurement regulations, apply to ICT procured, developed, maintained, or used by federal agencies. The Communications Act guidelines cover telephones, cell phones, pagers, computers with modems, switching equipment and other telecommunications equipment.

For complete details, view the entire Access Board announcement https://www.access-board.gov/news/1889-access-board-updates-requirements-for-information-and-communication-technology.

Digital Accessibility Legal Update (CSUN 2015)

An excellent article about recent legal developments impacting technology and information access for people with disabilities.

http://lflegal.com/2015/03/legal-update-csun15/

Scientists developing Kindle-style tablet for the blind

Scientists at the University of Michigan are working on a revolutionary display technology that could one day feature in a Kindle-style Braille tablet for the visually impaired.

Learn about it here: http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2016/01/13/holy-braille-scientists-developing-kindle-style-tablet-for-blind.html

Latest information from the FCC…

Video description is audio-narrated descriptions of a television program’s key visual elements. These descriptions are inserted into natural pauses in the program’s dialogue. Video description makes TV programming more accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Availability of video description

FCC rules require local TV station affiliates of ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC located in the top 60 TV markets to provide 50 hours per calendar quarter (about 4 hours per week) of video-described prime time and/or children’s programming.