21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act

Definition

The 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act is a law enacted in 2010 aimed at improving access to modern communications and video programming for individuals with disabilities. This act requires that telecommunications equipment and services, as well as video programming, be accessible to people with disabilities, addressing barriers they face in accessing media and communication technologies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The act mandates that all new telecommunications devices must be accessible to individuals with disabilities, ensuring everyone can communicate effectively.
2. It enhances requirements for closed captioning on television programming, requiring captions for more types of content than before.
3. The law promotes the availability of user interfaces that are accessible to individuals with various disabilities, including visual impairments.
4. The act has established guidelines for video description services, allowing blind and visually impaired individuals to access visual content through audio descriptions.
5. By creating a more inclusive environment in communications and media, this act aims to reduce disparities faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing information and entertainment.

Review Questions

• How does the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act address barriers to communication for people with disabilities?
  • The 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act tackles barriers by requiring telecommunications devices and video programming to be accessible. This means that all new technologies must be designed with accessibility features that cater to various disabilities, such as closed captioning for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. By enforcing these requirements, the act ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to engage with communication and media.
• What are some specific requirements set forth by the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act regarding closed captioning?
  • The act specifically mandates that closed captioning must be provided not only for traditional television but also for internet streaming services and other forms of video programming. This expansion ensures a wider range of content is accessible to those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Furthermore, it requires that captions are accurate and synchronized with the audio, enhancing the viewing experience for these individuals.
• Evaluate the impact of the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act on the broader landscape of accessibility in media and communication technologies.
  • The 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act has significantly influenced the accessibility landscape by pushing for inclusive design across various communication platforms. As a result, businesses are encouraged to incorporate accessibility features from the outset, rather than retrofitting them later. This proactive approach fosters a culture of inclusivity in media consumption, ultimately benefiting society by ensuring everyone can access essential information and entertainment regardless of their abilities.

Related terms

Accessibility: The design of products, devices, services, or environments to be usable by people with disabilities.

Telecommunications: The transmission of information over significant distances by electronic means, including phone calls, internet services, and broadcasting.

Closed Captioning: A text version of the spoken part of a television program or movie that displays on the screen, designed to aid individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.