Wireless RERC - Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA)

New Requirements for Video Game Accessibility May Start In The Fall

mz22 — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 14:19:03 +0000

Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA)

REQUEST FOR COMMENT PETITION FOR PARTIAL EXTENSION OF CLASS WAIVER OF COMMISSION’S RULES FOR ACCESS TO ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS S

ESA Petition for Waiver

June 2015 - Video game equipment, software, and related services are now required by the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA) to be accessible to and usable by users with disabilities. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is permitted to provide waivers to the accessibility requirements only when the equipment is designed primarily for purposes other than communication. Unlike the some other consoles and online game play services, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) asked the FCC to extend a waiver that expires on October 8, 2015. The 15 month waiver would only cover Class III video game software. The original waiver, previously granted by the FCC, covered the following categories of video gaming service and equipment [verbatim]:

Class I – Game consoles, both home and handheld, and their peripherals and integrated online networks, which are designed for multiple entertainment purposes but with a primary purpose of playing games.
Class II – Game distribution and online game play services designed for the primary purpose of distributing online game software or enabling online game play across a network.
Class III – Software designed for the primary purpose of game play. Game software means playable games on any hardware or online platform, including, but not limited to, dedicated game consoles, PCs, mobile devices, and the Internet (i.e. browser based games).

The ESA requests the extension of this waiver because of the technical issues in making assistive technology for video games. By October 8th, the FCC will decide if they will grant the extension. Comments on the waiver request are due to the FCC on July 9, 2015 and reply comments are due July 20, 2015.

FCC Implements Closed Caption Requirements for Online Video

mz22 — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 13:57:07 +0000

Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA)

Closed Captions

Internet Protocl (IP) Closed Captioning

FCC Moves to Ensure Online Video Clips are Accessible to Americans Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

July 2014 – The Federal Communications Commission has announced new sanctions extending closed captioning for online video content, including: “straight lift” clips, montages, live and near-live television programming. Under the Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 and internet protocol (IP) closed captioning rules, the decision aims to further access to online content for people who are deaf and hard of hearing. Program distributors will be required to provide closed captioning for online video-clips of programming that originally appeared on television. Compliance deadlines begin in 2016 and extend into 2017.

Wireless RERC Files Reply Comments on Accessibility of Devices for Video Programming

mz22 — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 17:52:19 +0000

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA)

Video Programming

Accessible Emergency Information

Wireless RERC Reply Comments

Publication Type:

Policy Filings

February 2014 — The Wireless RERC submitted reply comment to the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM): In the Matter of Accessibility of User Interfaces, and Programming Guides and Menus and Accessible Emergency Information and Apparatus Requirements for Emergency Information and Video Description: Implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010. The FNPRM 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.

Wireless RERC comments highlighted that despite the presence of accessibility features on many devices, consumers are often unaware of these features. Accordingly, in agreement with the Consumer Groups and Telecom RERC, the Wireless RERC recommends implementation of “information, documentation and training requirements” in accessible formats for consumers with and without disabilities. The accessibility of the devices, equipment and services should be conceived as a continuum that includes the technology itself and any support for using/accessing the technology.

Regarding a mechanism for activating accessibility features, the Wireless RERC notes that “a minimal step accessibility button, key or icon” should be used to ensure ease of activating and inactivating accessibility features such as closed captioning and video description.” However, they acknowledged and concurred with the Consumer Groups and Telecom RERC that the minimal step accessibility activation and configuration recommended does not supplant the need for a single step activation/deactivation of closed captions.

Finally, Wireless RERC comments disagree with the National Cable and Telecommunications Association’s (NCTA) position that the FCC does not have the legal authority to require a mechanism by which may enable people with visual disabilities may access a secondary audio stream for emergency information. Instead, the Wireless RERC stresses that the FCC’s basic mission is to “provide for the safety of life and property of Americans,” and accommodations for people with disabilities must be made to the fullest extent possible, including providing emergency information in the most accessible and effective format for each individual.

FCC Grants Accessibility Waiver for E-Readers

mz22 — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 19:04:30 +0000

eReaders

Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA)

Advanced Communications Services (ACS)

Order [CG Docket No. 10-213]

January 2014 — Following a petition filed by the Coalition of E-Reader Manufacturers, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a class waiver for basic e-readers from section 716, part 14 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended by the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA). Part 14 of the FCC’s rules that require advanced communications services (ACS) and equipment be accessible to people with disabilities. The waiver is for a narrow class of e-readers with the following features:

The device has no LCD screen
The device has no Camera
The device is not offered with built-in email or other similar ACS applications
The device is marketed as a reading device and does not advertise the capability to access ACS

In granting the Coalition’s request, the FCC acknowledged that “this narrow class of e-readers is designed primarily for reading text-based digital works, not for ACS.” The waiver is set to expire on January 28, 2015.

FCC Accessibility Rules Effective and Enforceable January 2014

mz22 — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 15:18:22 +0000

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA)

Final Rules [MB Docket No. 12-108 and 12-107]

December 2013 — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released Final Rules in the Matter of Accessibility of User Interface, and Video Programming Guides and Menus [MB Docket No. 12-108] and Accessible Emergency Information and Apparatus Requirements for Emergency Information and Video Description: Implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 [MB Docket No. 12-107]. The adopted rules implement Sections 204 and 205 of the CVAA, enabling people with visual or auditory disabilities to easily access accessibility features for video programming. Specifically, the rules specify that Section 205 applies to “navigation devices,” or those devices used to access multichannel video programming, and while Section 204 applies to all other “digital apparatus designed to receive or play back video programming transmitted in digital format simultaneously with sound.” In ensuring accessibility of navigation devices and digital apparatus, Section 204 requires audio output for all essential functions, as defined by the VPAAC, needed for video reception and playback while also requiring a button, key, or icon for consumers to easily access closed captioning and video description. Similarly, Section 205 requires that the 11 VPAAC essential functions be accessible; however only nine of the 11 require audio output, and at this time, devices covered under Section 205 are required to have a button, key or icon to provide access for closed captioning only. The rules also require covered entities to inform consumers of the availability of accessible devices while also setting a three-year compliance deadline for covered entities. All rules, except those requiring collection of information, are effective January 21, 2014.

Wireless RERC Comments on Accessibility of Devices for Video Programming

mz22 — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 15:51:18 +0000

Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA)

Video Programming Accessibility Advisory Committee (VPAAC)

Wireless RERC Reply Comments

NPRM on Accessibility of User Interfaces, and Video Programming Guides and Menus [MB Docket No. 12-108]

Publication Type:

Policy Filings

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. Wireless RERC comments noted that with the advent of the “second screen” and mobile apps integration into the television viewing experience, it is imperative that rules are designed to cover the array of equipment, devices, software and features of all that constitute the video programming environment. Wireless RERC comments emphasized that video programming viewed on mobile devices may blur the distinction between digital apparatus and navigation devices and thus accessibility requirements “should not be limited to MVPD-supplied equipment.” Regarding required accessibility features the Wireless RERC asserted that the eleven functions outlined by the VPAAC Second Report on User Interfaces should not be relied upon as a safe harbor for Section 205 compliance, as there are many necessary features not listed, including diagnostic functions and digital video recording functions. Finally, the Wireless RERC recommended co-locating all accessibility features within a “minimal step accessibility button, key and/or icon,” so as to streamline activation of accessibility features. Noting that positioning all of the accessibility features on the same menu would improve visibility of all the access features that may be applicable to users, as some people may want to activate more than one access feature.

Accessibility Waiver Requested for E-Readers

mz22 — Fri, 02 Aug 2013 15:48:30 +0000

eReaders

Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA)

Advanced Communications Services (ACS)

Public Notice [CG Docket No. 10-213]

August 2013 — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is requesting comment on a petition, filed by the Coalition of E-Reader Manufacturers, for a class waiver of section 716, part 14 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended by the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA). Part 14 of the FCC’s rules that require advanced communications services (ACS) and equipment be accessible to people with disabilities. Specifically the Coalition is requesting a class waiver for e-readers, stating that “although e-readers are equipment that consumers can use for ACS,” “they are marketed to consumers as reading devices, and promotional material does not tout the capability to access ACS.” Comments are due on September 3, 2013 and reply comments are due September 13, 2013.

FCC Acting Chairwoman Clyburn Commemorates the ADA

mz22 — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 15:24:39 +0000

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA)

Communications Access

Prepared Remarks of FCC Acting Chairwoman Mignon L. Clyburn

PowerPoint Presentation

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.

FCC’s Media Bureau Seeks Comment on Video Descriptions

mz22 — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 16:55:17 +0000

Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA)

video description

Public Notice [MB Docket No. 11-43]

June 2013 — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Media Bureau released a Public Notice [MB Docket No 11-43] seeking comment on the video description rules that were released on August 25, 2011 in accordance with the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010. Currently, the rules require certain television broadcast stations and MVPDs “to provide video description for a portion of the video programming they offer to consumers.” The Media Bureau seeks comment on the availability of video description, the extent to which video description is being provided voluntarily, the consumer usage of video description, and methods by which consumers are made aware of video description. In addition, the Media Bureau seeks comment on any technical or operational issues concerning video descriptions for video programming distributed on the Internet. the need for “technologies or other functionalities that must be developed to accommodate the delivery of video-described programming on the internet,” and the costs and benefits of providing such a service. Initial comments are due September 4, 2013, and reply comments are due October 2, 2013.

FCC Clarifying Rules for IP-Video Captions

mz22 — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:41:31 +0000

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA)

IP Video

Captions

Order on Reconsideration and FNPRM [MB Docket No. 11-154]

June 2013 — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released an Order on Reconsideration and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) in the Matter of Closed Captioning of Internet Protocol-Delivered Video Programming: Implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 [MB Docket No. 11-154]. The Order on Reconsideration addresses concerns from stakeholders, including the Consumer Electronics Association, TVGuardian, and consumer groups, concerning the rules for the captioning of IP-delivered video programming for certain apparatus. Specifically, the Order clarifies the definition of “video player” to ensure the rules apply to “video player(s) capable of displaying video programming transmitted simultaneously with sound,” while granting waivers to apparatus that are not designed to transmit video programming, such as certain digital cameras. In addition, the Order clarifies that the January 1, 2014 compliance deadline applies to the date of manufacture of apparatus and provides an extension for DVD and Blu-Ray players. The Order affirms that the rules allow for “rendering or pass through of captions,” and does not limit providers to pass through captioning only. In the FNPRM, the FCC seeks comment on requirements for the synchronization of closed captions and video display in addition to the closed caption requirements for DVD and Blu-Ray players that “do not render or pass through closed captions.” Initial comments are due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, and reply comments are due 90 days after publication in the Federal Register.