On the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, President Barak Obama signed into effect the Equal Access to 21st Century Communications Act. This bipartisan bill will help expand access to technology such as smart phones, television and the internet, to those with disabilities. There are 25 million visually impaired Americans and 3 million hearing-impaired Americans who are eagerly waiting to benefit from this new law.
Many of us take our sight and hearing for granted, and never consider how the millions of Americans with sensory impairments communicate in today’s technologically advanced world. Imagine watching television or trying to use the internet, your new iPhone or iPad if you couldn’t see or couldn’t hear. Entertainment would be a little less enjoyable but your career could suffer as well. Most of our businesses rely on these new communication technologies. If you are unable to use them effectively, it becomes harder to maintain and obtain a job.
The Equal Access to 21st Century Communications Act will ensure that these devices are easier to use for those with disabilities and everyone else as well. First of all, interfaces will be created with the blind and deaf in mind, making phones and the internet more accessible. Additional federal guidelines include audible descriptions of the on-screen television events for those with visual-impairments; mandated closed captioning for online television programs; hearing aid compatible internet phone equipment; and (my personal favorite) a button on the remote to allow one touch access to closed captioning. In addition, $10 million is being set aside to help those with disabilities get hold of these new advances.
This new law gives me hope that, what some have deemed, the last great civil rights battle is gaining ground and momentum. People with disabilities are people and should be able to access, use and benefit from the new technologies that are advancing every day. Equal education, equal rights, equal access.