SECTION 255. ACCESS BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.
`(a)
DEFINITIONS- As used in this section--
`(1)
DISABILITY- The term `disability' has the meaning given
to it by section 3(2)(A) of the Americans with Disabilities Act
of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102(2)(A)).
`(2)
READILY ACHIEVABLE- The term `readily achievable' has
the meaning given to it by section 301(9) of that Act (42
U.S.C. 12181(9)).
`(b)
MANUFACTURING- A manufacturer of telecommunications
equipment or customer premises equipment shall ensure that the
equipment is designed, developed, and fabricated to be accessible
to and usable by individuals with disabilities, if readily
achievable.
`(c)
TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES- A provider of
telecommunications service shall ensure that the service is
accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, if
readily achievable.
`(d)
COMPATIBILITY- Whenever the requirements of subsections (b)
and (c) are not readily achievable, such a manufacturer or provider
shall ensure that the equipment or service is compatible with
existing peripheral devices or specialized customer premises
equipment commonly used by individuals with disabilities to achieve
access, if readily achievable.
`(e)
GUIDELINES- Within 18 months after the date of enactment of
the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the Architectural and
Transportation Barriers Compliance Board shall develop guidelines
for accessibility of telecommunications equipment and customer
premises equipment in conjunction with the Commission. The Board
shall review and update the guidelines periodically.
`(f)
NO ADDITIONAL PRIVATE RIGHTS AUTHORIZED- Nothing in this
section shall be construed to authorize any private right of action
to enforce any requirement of this section or any regulation
thereunder. The Commission shall have exclusive jurisdiction with
respect to any complaint under this section.
FCC Home
