FCC Acting Chairwoman Clyburn Commemorates the ADA

July 2013 — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Acting Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn addressed the FCC in commemoration of the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  In her address, Clyburn highlighted that the ADA has had a profound impact for over 50 million Americans and “has opened the doors of opportunity to education, employment, and entertainment, as well as communication, community and civic action and access.”  Clyburn continues by addressing the impact of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA), “the ‘sister’ to the ADA.” Further expanding access for people with disabilities, Clyburn noted that the CVAA has enhanced the availability of closed caption and video description services, while providing accessible communication devices for people who are deaf-blind and allowing for easier access to “accessible communications products and services through the Commission’s new accessibility clearinghouse.” Clyburn ended her address by acknowledging the many people who have advocated for communications accessibility.