Recording and Reporting Accessibility Compliance

January 29, 2013 — A Public Notice [DA 13-114] was issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reminding the telecommunications service providers and equipment manufacturers subject to Section 255, 716, or 718 of the Communications Act, that as of January 30, 2013 they are required to maintain records of meeting accessibility compliance and to file the first annual recordkeeping certification by April 1, 2013. In addition to ensuring that all services and equipment are accessible to individuals with disabilities, the new recordkeeping requirements request that entities document efforts to consult individuals with disabilities, outline product and/or service accessibility features and compatibility with peripheral devices. To assist in the implementation of these requirements, the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) established an on-line system called the “Recordkeeping Compliance Certification and Contact Information Registry.”