Dicapta's President appointed for a second term with the FCC's Disability Advisory Committee
We are honored to have Maria Victoria Diaz, Dicapta's President, appointed for a second term with the FCC's Disability Advisory Committee (DAC). The DAC provides advice and recommendations to the Commission on a wide array of disability matters specified by the Federal Communications Commission.
The Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTS released the DARE Index 2017-2018
G3ict The Global Initiative for Inclusive Accessibility of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTS) released its Digital Accessibility Rights Evaluation (DARE) Index 2017-2018 last month. The index measures the progress made by the 177 countries, that signed the 2006 Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), in promoting and implementing digital accessibility.
Mandatory additional hours of video description on TV starting July
Starting July 4th, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) increased the mandatory number of hours of video description that TV stations and networks have to provide. Previously, the mandatory number of hours per quarter during prime time or children’s programming was 50. Now, in addition to those 50 hours, the networks have to provide 37.5 hours per quarter between 6 a.m. and 11:59 p.m.
FCC seeks comments on a petition for extension of waiver related to accessibility of emergency information for the blind
Yesterday, the Media Bureau* at the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) announced that is seeking comments on a joint petition related to accessibility of emergency information requirements. This waiver has been requested jointly by the American Council of the Blind (ACB), the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). Comments bill be received until April 13, 2018.
Recent Changes on Responsibilities of Provision and Quality of TV Closed Captioning
New rules that assign responsibilities regarding the provision and quality of TV closed captioning entered into effect on December 22 of 2017.
Lawsuit against Hulu because it fails to be accessible to the blind and visually impaired
On November 20, the American Council of the Blind, Bay State Council of the Blind, and Brian and Kim Charlson, who are both blind, sued the video streaming company Hulu. There are 2 reasons for the lawsuit. First, none of Hulu's video content is offered with audio description, which in turn makes the video content inaccessible to people who are blind or visually impaired. Second, Hulu's website and applications are also not accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired.
Improvements on Availability of Accessible Airport Kiosks
This is good news, 2 airlines will be making accessible, within 2 years, 50% of their automated kiosks at the airports. By law, at least 25% of the automated kiosks installed by airlines after December 12-2016 at U.S. airports have to be accessible* and at least 25% of the automated kiosks in each location at the airport have to be accessible by December 12, 2022.
FCC increases 75% the number of hours of required described programming
This week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) increased the number of hours of required described TV programming. The description allows people with visual limitations improved access to TV programs by providing additional information about the programs with a narration that describes details that can’t be inferred by only listening to the original program.
Accessibility to Emergency Information on Television Deadline Looming
This July 10th is the deadline for the video programming distributors (such as satellite, cable and internet video companies) to comply with the requirement to make accessible audible emergency information to consumers that access the video programming on second screen services (such as smart phones, laptops and tables).