Accessibility rules for user interfaces and program guides were adopted...

Accessibility rules for user interfaces and program guides were adopted Tuesday so the FCC could come as close as possible to the missed Oct. 8 deadline to finish implementing the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA), an agency official told us. The deadline occurred during the partial federal government shutdown. Though the rules were adopted Tuesday, commissioners are still working on statements to be released along with the rules, an FCC official told us the next day. Acting Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn and Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel voted to approve the rules implementing sections 204 and 205 of CVAA while Commissioner Ajit Pai approved in part and concurred in part, said an FCC release Tuesday. All three commissioners are issuing written statements, the release said. The new rules will require devices to make “essential functions” accessible and classify devices that have conditional access to content as navigation devices, an FCC official had said (CD Oct 30 p15). The item includes a three-year implementation deadline, but cable operators with fewer than 400,000 subscribers will be granted an additional two years to subscribe, the official said. Other details about the rules, and what might be contained in a further notice of proposed rulemaking mentioned in the release, remain unclear. American Foundation for the Blind Senior Policy Director Mark Richert said he’s particularly concerned about proposed rules on how those in need of accessible equipment will be able to request it from providers. He said the details of what equipment operators can provide to meet accessibility requirements are important. “How broad is that? What kind of alternatives are they allowed to provide?” asked Richert. Although few details were contained in the commission’s release, Richert said he’s optimistic that the rules will be a positive change. “Once these rules take effect, people who are blind or visually impaired will be able to quickly find a news channel during an emergency or tune in to their favorite show as readily as sighted people,” said Clyburn.