In July 2010, the U.S. Access Board began a process to address accessibility standards for medical diagnostic equipment for people with disabilities. The trigger for this action was in the health reform legislation that added a new Section 510 to the Rehabilitation Act. COAT affiliates may be interested in this effort as more and more health care technology involves communications and information technologies.

On July 26, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued four advance notices of proposed rulemaking (ANPRMs) calling for public comments about proposed updates to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These address websites, movie theaters, 911 services and equipment/furniture. COAT affiliates all across the country are expected to contribute to these rulemakings. These ANPRMs gather input that might change the rules. Here they are:

On August 5, 2010, the Federal Communications Commission issued an Order clarifying its hearing aid compatibility (HAC) rules and seeking comments on some new regulations.  In the clarification the FCC says their HAC rules:

In a notice released August 5, 2010, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) asks for comments on accessibility of wireless phones for people who are blind, have vision loss or are deaf-blind, how gaps in accessibility prevent communication, on cost and feasibility issues and on technical barriers, among other topics raised in the Federal Register Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). Comments are due September 13, with Reply Comments due September 30, 2010.

August 10, 2010. The American Association of People (AAPD) with Disabilities and the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) applaud the U.S. Senate for its passage of the "Twenty-first Century Communications & Video Accessibility Act" (S.3304).  “This is a significant victory for all people with disabilities,” said Tony Coelho, AAPD’s board chair.

On August 9, 2010, the Video Systems Committee of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) launched a working group to develop standards for accessibility of  video devices. One of seventy CEA working groups, "R4 WG19" will develop standards and guidelines for accessibility of video devices. The group expects participation from consumer electronics manufacturers, including designers, engineers, manufacturers, users with disabilities and accessibility design specialists.

PRESS RELEASE

August 5, 2010, Washington, D.C.:-- COAT celebrates the passage of the "Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010" (S. 3304) by the U.S. Senate today by unanimous consent. Due to the extraordinary efforts of advocates across the country and in Washington, D.C., COAT has secured a monumental step forward in accessible technology.