Congress votes to give disabled better Web, TV access

September 30, 2010|Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The blind will have greater access to the Internet through smartphones, and devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys will have to be compatible with hearing aids under legislation Congress has sent to the president.

Mark Richert of the American Foundation for the Blind said yesterday that the measure was one of the most comprehensive bills in decades to improve access for the disabled. “It breaks down barriers for all of us,’’ said Richert, who is blind.

The video accessibility act, which passed the Senate last month, was approved by the House late Tuesday.

The measure sets federal guidelines for the telecommunications industry assuring that the blind will have access to the Web through improved interfaces for smartphones. Also, over time, more than 60 hours a week of video programming must have audio descriptions.

It will also:

■Make TV program guides and selection menus accessible to people with vision loss.

■ Require that video programming devices such as MP3 players and digital video recorders be capable of closed captioning and video description.

■Provide funds to help the low-income disabled buy accessible Internet technology.

■ Provide the deaf with the ability to watch new TV programs online with captions included.

“Two decades ago, Americans with disabilities couldn’t get around if buildings weren’t wheelchair accessible; today it’s about being Web accessible,’’ said Representative Edward Markey, Democrat of Malden and the main House sponsor.