The deadline to implement the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) accessibility requirements for controls, menus, and program guides for TVs, set-top boxes and other devices was reached on December 20th.

This means that if you are a person with visual or hearing limitations, and have bought a TV, personal computer, tablet or a smart phone that was manufactured on or after December 20th, the device should provide an easy way to access its functions and activate video description and closed captioning.

In the same way, if you have a set-top box that has been manufactured or leased on or after December 20th, the on-screen text menus and guides should be audibly accessible to people with visual limitations. Additionally, if the set-top box has the capability to show closed captions, it should be easy to activate them.

If the device does not provide the accessibility required, you may file a complaint with the manufacturer, the video programmer or the FCC. To file a complaint with the FCC, visit the Consumer Complaint Center. For more information on this regulation, visit the FCC website

We celebrate reaching the deadline for the implementation of this regulation.  This is really a big step in making TV accessible for all!