Assistive Technology

August 2013 - The Wireless RERC submitted reply comments to the FCC’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FPRM): In the Matter of Accessibility of User Interface, and Video Programming Guides and Menus [MB Docket No. 12-108]. The NPRM requested input on defining the scope of Sections 204 and 205 of the Twenty First Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA) which require user interfaces and navigation devices for video programming to be accessible to people with vision loss.

July 2013 — In partnership with Raketu, Sprint released a new app to provide Wireless CapTel for iOS-powered devices. With the app, users with hearing loss can place a call and voice-recognition software will caption the conversation for the caller. The app works for 3G or 4G cell phones as well as Wi-Fi only devices and will deliver captions in both English and Spanish. In addition to the new app, Sprint also offers Wireless CapTel for Android devices with OS 2.2 or higher.

July 2013 — Louisiana Tech University and the Department of Justice have reached a settlement regarding allegations that, in violation of the ADA, the University used an “online learning product” that was inaccessible to a blind student in addition to not providing the student with accessible course materials in a subsequent course.  The settlement will require the University to reimburse the student for $23,543 in damages, while ensuring that all instructors and administrators are trained on the requirements of the ADA.  In addition, the University will be required to develop new policies

July 2013 — The Student Success Act [H.R. 5], a bill to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, was approved by the House of Representatives. This is the House’s version of Senate legislation, introduced in June, Strengthening America’s Schools Act of 2013 [S.1094] (SASA).  The H.R. 5, introduced by U.S.

"Activ" Team Wins Silver in the 2013 UX Awards!

One of this year’s teams at Virginia Tech was awarded a Silver for “Best Accessibility Innovation” in the UX Awards 2013.  Winners were honored as part of NY Internet Week on May 21.  Now in its third year, the UX Awards are the first awards created specifically to celebrate exceptional design in digital user experience.   http://userexperienceawards.com/ux-awards-2013-winners/#activ