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What We Do:

Legislation

21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act

On October 8, 2010 President Obama signed into law the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act to ensure that people with disabilities are not left behind as we move into the next era of Internet and digital communications and that they have equal access to new communications technologies.

The 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act is a major step forward in ensuring accessibility, usability and affordability of broadband, wireless and Internet technologies for people with disabilities.

The new law updates the Communications Act and expands safeguards in the areas of :

• Communications - access to new telephone technologies, text messaging, Internet and broadband
• Video Programming – increased availability of closed captioning and video description, increased accessibility of programming devices and guides and Internet and digital technologies

AAPD works towards proper implementation of the new law by monitoring proposed regulations and commenting appropriately.

For more information, click here.

Section 508

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires access to electronic and information technology procured by Federal agencies. The U.S. Access Board develops accessibility standards for the various technologies covered by the law. These standards have been incorporated into the Federal government's procurement regulations.

AAPD works to ensure that standards for federal procurement include the needs of people with all types of disabilities.

AAPD is a representative member of the Telecommunications and Electronic and Information Technology Advisory Committee (TEITAC), established by the Access Board to advise on standards and guidelines.

For the statutory language, current regulations, updates and other information click here.

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