Public Law 111-260 signed by President Barack Obama on October 8, 2010.
The 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act was passed by Congress to update our nation’s telecommunications protections for people with disabilities. The CVAA follows a string of laws, passed in the 1980s and 1990s that were designed to ensure that telephone and television services would be accessible to all Americans with disabilities. But these laws were not able to keep up with the fast paced technological changes that our society has witnessed over the past decade. The new law contains groundbreaking protections to enable people with disabilities to access broadband, digital and mobile innovations -- the emerging 21st century technologies for which the act is named.
There are approximately 36 million Americans with hearing loss and 25 million with a significant vision loss. In 2009, a study conducted by the FCC revealed that people with disabilities are less likely to use Internet-based communications technologies: 65 percent of Americans have broadband at home, but only 42 percent of Americans with disabilities have these services. This gap is due in part to physical barriers that people with disabilities confront in using the Internet. It is for this reason that the National Broadband Plan, adopted by the Commission in March 2010, recommended that Congress and the FCC should modernize accessibility laws to keep pace with broadband technologies.
The CVAA is divided into two broad titles or sections. Title I addresses communications access to make products and services using Broadband fully accessible to people with disabilities. For example, smart phones will be required to be usable by blind and visually impaired people as well as people with hearing aids. Title II of the accessibility act breaks new ground to make it easier for people with disabilities to view video programming on television and the Internet. For example, programs shown on television with captioning will be required to include the captioning when they are re-shown on the Internet. Both titles include provisions to ensure that people with disabilities have access to emergency information such as the next generation of 911 services and emergency information on the television.
Releases:
8-23-12 Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Seeks Comment on its Tentative Findings about the Accessibility of Communications Technologies for the First Biennial Report Under the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act. DA 12-1391. Docket No. 10-213. Pleading cycle established. Comments Due: September 6, 2012.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
8-22-12 Emergency Access Advisory Committee Announcement of September 14, 2012 Meeting. Committee Focusing on Matters Pertaining to Next Generation 9-1-1 Access for Persons with Disabilities. DA 12-1372.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
8-17-12 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; Petitions for Temporary Partial Exemption or Limited Waiver filed by the Digital Media Association (DiMA). MB Docket No. 11-154. DA 12-1354.
Memorandum Opinion and Order: Word || PDF
7-20-12 Interpretation of Economically Burdensome Standard; Amendment of Section 79.1(f) of the Commission's Rules; Video Programming Accessibility. The FCC determined that the four factors contained in section 713(e) of the Communications Act will continue to apply when evaluating individual requests for captioning exemptions under section 713(d)(3) and the corresponding rules. FCC 12-83. CG Docket No. 11-175.
Report and Order: Word || PDF
7-12-12 Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Seeks Comment on the Accessibility of Communications Technologies for the First Biennial Report Under the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act. CG Docket No. 10-213. DA 12-1125.
Comment Date: July 25, 2012.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
7-2-12 Commission Announces Entities Certified to Participate in the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program. DA 12-1050.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
7-2-12 Commission Announces Launch of the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program. DA 12-1051.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
7-2-12 FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel on Expanding Access to Twenty-First Century Communications Technologies.
News Release: Word || PDF
7-2-12 FCC's Video Description Rules for Certain Broadcast Stations and Multichannel Video Programming Distributors (MVPDs) Are Now in Effect.
News Release: Word || PDF
6-21-12 Request for Comment Petition for Class Waiver of Commission's Rules for Access to Advanced Communications Services and Equipment by People with Disabilities. DA 12-984. CG Docket Number 10-213.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
6-8-12 Perkins School for the Blind to Conduct National Outreach for the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program. DA 12-910. CG Docket Number 10-210.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
5-31-12 Pleading Cycle Established for Oppositions and Replies to Oppositions to Petitions For Reconsideration of the IP Closed Captioning Order. MB Docket No. 11-154. Report No. 2951. DA 12-862
Oppositions Due: June 7, 2012. Replies to Oppositions Due: June 18, 2012.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
5-17-12 Petitions for Reconsideration of Action in Rulemaking Proceeding. 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. Report No. 2951.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
5-16-12 Media Bureau Action; Comment dates established for two petitions for temporary partial exemption or limited waiver of certain provisions of 47 C.F.R. § 79.4(c)(2)(i). MB Docket Number 11-154. DA 12-775.
Comments Due: June 15, 2012. Reply Comments Due: July 2, 2012.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
5-15-12 Request for Comment; Entertainment Software Association (ESA) Petition for Class Waiver of Commission's Rules for Access to Advanced Communications Services and Equipment by People with Disabilities. DA 12-760. CG Docket 10-213.
Comments Due: June 14, 2012. Reply Comments Due: June 25, 2012.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
5-15-12 Request for Comment; Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) Petition for Class Waiver of Commission's Rules for Access to Advanced Communications Services and Equipment by People with Disabilities. DA 12-759. CG Docket 10-213.
Comments Due: June 14, 2012. Reply Comments Due: June 25, 2012.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
4-30-12 Media Bureau and Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau seek comment on second VPAAC report: Video Description and Access to Emergency Information; User Interfaces, and Video Programming Guides and Menus. Extended the deadlines for filing comments and reply comments in these proceedings. Docket Numbers 12-108 and 12-107. DA 12-682.
Comments Due: June 4, 2012. Reply Comments Due: June 19, 2012.
Order: Word || PDF
4-24-12 Media Bureau and Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau seek comment on second VPAAC report: User Interfaces, and Video Programming Guides and Menus. DA 12-635. Docket No. 12-108.
Comments Due: May 24, 2012. Reply Comments Due: June 8, 2012.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
4-24-12 Media Bureau and Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau seek comment on second VPAAC report: Video Description and Access to Emergency Information. DA 12-636. Docket No. 12-107.
Comments Due: May 24, 2012. Reply Comments Due: June 8, 2012.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
3-20-12 In the Matter of Implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, Section 105, Relay Services for Deaf-Blind Individuals. Conditionally waived Section 64.610(f)(2) of the Commission's rules to the extent it only permits entities that are certified to participate in the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP) to submit claims for reimbursement every six months. Docket No. 10-210. DA 12-430.
Order: Word || PDF
3-14-12 Emergency Access Advisory Committee Announcement of March 30, 2012 Meeting. Committee Focusing on Matters Pertaining to Next Generation 9-1-1 Access for Persons with Disabilities. DA 12-406.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
3-9-12 Further Details Provided Re: The FCC's Emergency Access Advisory Committee Sponsoring of an Exhibition Fair of "Text-to-911" Technologies and Applications that will be held on March 28 and 29, 2012. DA 12-379.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
2-23-12 The Federal Communications Commission's Emergency Access Advisory Committee to Sponsor an Exhibition Fair of "Text-to-911" Technologies and Applications March 28 and 29, 2012. DA 12-266.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
1-26-12 Emergency Access Advisory Committee Announcement of February 10, 2012 Meeting. Committee Focusing on Matters Pertaining to Next Generation 9-1-1 Access for Persons with Disabilities. DA 12-93.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
1-13-12 Closed Captioning of Internet Protocol-Delivered Video Programming: Implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010. Adopted rules governing the closed captioning requirements for the owners, providers, and distributors of video programming delivered using IP, and governing the closed captioning capabilities of certain apparatus on which consumers view video programming. MB Docket No. 11-154. FCC 12-9.
Report & Order: Word || PDF
McDowell Statement: Word || PDF
Clyburn Statement: Word || PDF
Erratum: Word || PDF
1-6-12 Video Programming Accessibility Advisory Committee (VPAAC) Announcement of February 9, 2012 Meeting. DA 12-15.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
1-3-12 Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau and Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Announce Pleading Cycle for Comments and Reply Comments on Advanced Communications Provisions of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010. DA 12-1. CG Docket No. 10-213.
Comment Date: February 13, 2012. Replay Comment Date: March 14, 2012.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
10-31-11 Notice Concerning Ex Parte Status of Presentations Made to the Emergency Access Advisory Committee. DA 11-1818.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
10-21-11 FCC Invites Applicants to Conduct National Outreach for the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program. DA 11-1767.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
10-7-11 In the Matter of Contributions to the Telecommunications Relay Services Fund. Adopted rules to implement Section 103(b) of the CVAA, requiring interconnected and non-interconnected VoIP providers to participate in and contribute to the TRS Fund. CG Docket No. 11-47. FCC 11-150.
Report and Order: Word || PDF
10-7-11 FCC Takes Critical Steps to Bring Advanced Communications Services to Those With Disabilities.
News Release: Word || PDF
R&O and FNPRM: PDF
Genachowski Statement: PDF
Copps Statement: PDF
McDowell Statement: PDF
Clyburn Statement: PDF
9-28-11 Media Bureau Announces Comment and Reply Comment Deadlines for the NPRM Regarding Closed Captioning of Internet Protocol-Delivered Video Programming. MB Docket No. 1154. DA 11-1639
Comment Deadline: October 18, 2011. Reply Comment Deadline: October 28, 2011.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
9-26-11 Emergency Access Advisory Committee Announcement of October 14, 2011 Meeting. Committee to Focus on Matters Pertaining to Next Generation 911 Access for Persons with Disabilities. DA 11-1599.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
9-22-11 FCC Announces 60-Day Period to Apply for Certification to Participate in the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program. DA 11-1591
Public Notice: Word || PDF
9-19-11 FCC seek comment 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. Proposal to revise regulations for Closed Captioning of Internet Protocol-Delivered Video Programming. Docket No. 11-154, FCC No. 11-138
NPRM: Word|| PDF
9-13-11 Video Programming Accessibility Advisory Committee Announcement of November 1, 2011 Meeting. DA 11-1527.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
8-30-11 Emergency Access Advisory Committee Announcement of September 9, 2011 Meeting. Committee to Focus on Matters Pertaining to Next Generation 911 Access for Persons with Disabilities. DA 11-1473.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
8-25-11 Video Description: Implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010. Reinstated the rules requiring large market television broadcast stations and MVPDs to provide video described programming, and other stations and systems to pass through description they receive. Docket No. 11-43, FCC No. 11-126
Report & Order: Word || PDF
Commissioner Copps Statement: Word || PDF
Commissioner Clyburn Statement: Word || PDF
Erratum: Word || PDF
7-22-11 Two Reports of Advisory Committees on Disabilities Issues Released. Reports Are on Closed Captioning of Video Programming Delivered Using Internet Protocol and Emergency Calling for Persons With Disabilities: Survey Review And Analysis
News Release: Word || PDF
7-21-11 Report On Emergency Calling For Persons With Disabilities, Survey Review And Analysis 2011, presented by the Emergency Access Advisory Committee to the Federal Communications Commission.
Report: Word || PDF
7-21-11 Emergency Access Advisory Committee Announcement of August 12, 2011 Meeting. Committee to Focus on Matters Pertaining to Next Generation 911 Access for Persons with Disabilities. DA 11-1221.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
7-13-11 First Report of the Video Programming Accessibility Advisory Committee on the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010. Closed Captioning of Video Programming Delivered Using Internet Protocol.
Report
6-22-11 Emergency Access Advisory Committee Announcement of July 8, 2011 Meeting. Committee to Focus on Matters Pertaining to Next Generation 911 Access for Persons with Disabilities. DA 11-1092.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
5-17-11 Emergency Access Advisory Committee Announcement of June 10, 2011 Meeting. Committee to Focus on Matters Pertaining to Next Generation 911 Access for Persons with Disabilities. DA 11-882.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
4-29-11 FCC Announces Agenda for Video Programming Accessibility Advisory Committee (VPAAC) Scheduled for May 5, 2011 at FCC Headquarters. DA 11-804.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
4-6-11 FCC Acts to Ensure That Deaf-Blind Individuals Have Access to 21st Century Communications Technologies.
News Release: Word || PDF
Report & Order: Word || PDF
Copps Statement: Word || PDF
4-4-11 Extended Comment and Reply Dates for 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility.
Order: Word || PDF
3-25-11 Emergency Access Advisory Committee Announcement of April 8, 2011 Meeting. Committee to Focus on Matters Pertaining to Next Generation 911 Access for Persons with Disabilities. DA 11-553.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
3-23-11 Video Description: Implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010. Granted the Motion for Extension of Time. MB Docket No. 11-43
Comments Due: April 28, 2011. Reply Comments Due: May 27, 2011.
Order: Word || PDF
3-16-11 Emergency Access Advisory Committee Releases National Survey to Learn About Emergency Calling by Individuals with Disabilities.
News Release: Word || PDF
3-3-11 FCC Proposes to Update Rules Allowing Accessibility to Advanced Communications to 54 Million Consumers With Disabilities.
News Release: Word || PDF
Genachowski Statement: Word || PDF
Copps Statement: Word || PDF
3-3-11 Implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, Section 103(b), Contributions to the TRS Fund Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Adopted March 2, 2011. CG Docket No. 11-47. (FCC 11-38)
NPRM: Word || PDF
Erratum issued 3-24-11: Word || PDF
3-3-11 Implementation of Sections 716 and 717 of the Communications Act of 1934, as Enacted by the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010; Amendments to the Commission's Rules Implementing Sections 255 and 251(a)(2) of the Communications Act of 1934, as Enacted by the Telecommunications Act of 1996; In the Matter of Accessible Mobile Phone Options for People who are Blind, Deaf-Blind, or Have Low Vision. (FCC 11-37) CG Docket No. 10-213, WT Docket No. 96-198, and CG Docket No. 10-145.
NPRM: Word || PDF
3-3-11 Video Description: Implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010. (FCC 11-36) MB Docket No. 11-43
NPRM: Word || PDF
Erratum issued 3-11-11: Word || PDF
2-28-11 Video Programming Accessibility Advisory Committee Announcement of May 5, 2011 Meeting. DA 11-390.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
2-18-11 Emergency Access Advisory Committee Announcement of March 11, 2011 Meeting. Committee to Focus on Matters Pertaining to Next Generation 911 Access for Persons with Disabilities. DA 11-329.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
1-24-11 Emergency Access Advisory Committee Announcement of February 11, 2011 Meeting. Committee to Focus on Matters Pertaining to Next Generation 911 Access for Persons with Disabilities
Public Notice: Word || PDF
1-14-11 Implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, Section 105, Relay Services for Deaf-Blind Individuals.
NPRM: Word || PDF
Genachowski Statement: Word || PDF
1-7-11 Erratum - Video Programming Accessibility Advisory Committee Announcement of Members; Committee to focus on matters pertaining to IP Closed Captioning, Video Description, Access to Emergency Information and User Interface Accessibility.
Issued an Erratum correcting Public Notice, DA 10-2320, released December 7, 2010
Erratum: Word || PDF
12-7-10 Membership in Two Disability-Focused Advisory Committees Announced; Transcript of November 30 Presentation on Implementation of Accessibility Act Available Online.
News Release: Word || PDF
12-7-10 Emergency Access Advisory Committee Announcement of Members and Co-Chairpersons.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
Erratum Released 1-11-11: Word || PDF
12-7-10 Video Programming Accessibility Advisory Committee Announcement of Members.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
11-3-10 The Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau Seeks Comment on Implementation of Requirement to Define Programs for Distribution of Specialized Customer Premises Equipment used by Individuals who are Deaf-Blind. Docket No. 10-210. DA 10-2112
Comments Due: 11-17-2010. Reply Comments Due: 11-23-2010.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
10-21-10 CGB and WTB Seek Comment on Advanced Communication Provisions of The 21st Century Communications And Video Accessibility Act of 2010.CG Docket No. 10-213
Comment Date: November 22, 2010 Reply Comment Date: December 7, 2010
Public Notice: Word || PDF
10-19-10 The FCC Requests Nominations for Membership on Emergency Access Advisory Committee (EAAC) in Accordance with the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act. DA 10-2001.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
10-19-10 The FCC Requests Nominations for Membership on Video Programming Accessibility Advisory Committee (VPAAC) in Accordance with the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act. DA 10-2002.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
News Release: Word || PDF
10-12-10 Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Requests that Comments in Hearing Aid Compatibility Proceeding Address Effects of New Legislation. Docket No. 07-250
Comments Due: October 25, 2010. Reply Comments Due: November 22, 2010.
Public Notice: Word || PDF
10-8-10 Statements on the Enactment of the Equal Access to 21st Century Communications Act
News Releases:
Chairman Julius Genachowski: Word || PDF
Commissioner Mignon L. Clyburn: Word || PDF
