House Acts to Improve Internet Access for Disabled
By Abrams, Jim; Washington Post,Publication Date: July 26, 2010
Article reports the passing in the House of Representatives of H.R. 3101, a bill assuring full access to the Internet and television for people with disabilities. The measure, which moved to the Senate following its July 26, 2010 approval, will make it easier for the blind to access the Internet from smartphones and requires that telecom equipment used to make calls over the Internet be compatible with hearing aids. The bill also stipulates (1) audible descriptions of television onscreen action, (2) cable TV program guides and selection menus accessible to people with vision loss, (3) remote control buttons or similar devices to easily access the closed captioning on broadcast and pay TV, and (4) the provision of financial support to help low income users with disabilities buy Internet technology. Presiding over the debates leading to the passing of the bill was Rep. James Langevin, the first quadriplegic to serve in the House. More information about the legislation can be found at http://thomas.loc.gov/.
Published by: Washington Post Company (Website:http://www.washpostco.com)
Link to text: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/26/AR2010072605003.html?wpisrc=nl_tech
