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FCC wants feedback on ASL and multilingual emergency alerts

Posted on March 21, 2024

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking for people's opinions (until April 8, 2024) on its proposal to make emergency video alerts available in American Sign Language (ASL) and in certain non-English languages. The FCC decided on some new rules last year. These rules say that wireless providers must put out certain emergency alerts in...

FCC asks for comments about proposal that all mobile phones be hearing aid compatible

Posted on February 8, 2024

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) thinks it's possible for all cell phones in the US to work well with hearing aids. On January 26, 2024, they asked for people's comments about how this requirement could be put into effect. They want comments on topics including: Using Bluetooth to connect between wireless handset models and hearing...

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Senators call for digital update to Department of Transportation’s service animal flight form

Posted on January 23, 2024

Senators Wyden and Duckworth think the Department of Transportation (DOT) is making it harder for people with service animals to travel. They want the DOT to use an easier, accessible online service animal travel form instead of the current difficult paperwork. The required form is currently only offered in a PDF format and is hard...

Government not meeting minimum accessibility standards on federal websites, GSA report finds

Posted on January 9, 2024

The General Services Administration (GSA) gave its report to Congress on federal website accessibility. The law, Section 508, says government agencies have to make their websites and digital things accessible. But many websites still have problems, like not describing images. The report says most agencies aren't doing well in following this law, and less than...

OMB releases ‘broad’ accessibility guidance for government tech

Posted on December 22, 2023

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has updated guidance that requires Federal agencies to put accessibility at the center of their digital experiences. The government is improving digital accessibility for everyone. The guidance says agencies should do things such as: Test online content to make sure it's fully accessible before posting it. Involve people...

Smithsonian improves online features to make things easier to access

Posted on November 22, 2023

The Smithsonian is using technology to improve museums and the resources people have access to. The goal is for everyone, no matter where they are, to get a better understanding of the changing world. New software will make things better for visitors, donors, volunteers, and others who deal with the Smithsonian. The aim is to...

Navy Blue circle with stethoscop and the words I'm a disability ally"

Become a Disability A.L.L.Y. — Information for Healthcare Providers

Posted on October 11, 2023

Healthcare practices serve patients with disabilities who may face extra problems in getting care. Providers, become an ally for people with disabilities by making small changes that can really improve their lives, starting with assessing your practice and building a more inclusive practice by using: Welcoming Spaces: Make sure your programs and physical spaces are...

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline adds ASL services

Posted on October 11, 2023

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s addition of nationwide American Sign Language (ASL) services for people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. This is part of the Department's ongoing efforts to increase accessibility to behavioral health care for underserved communities. Since the July 2022 launch,...

ACL Expands DIAL to include self-service features

Posted on September 27, 2023

The Administration for Community Living's Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) has a new tool to help people with disabilities find local services and resources. You can use DIAL's website and database to find this information at any time, every day of the year. Services now include: Housing help, Accessible transportation, Legal aid, Vaccine locations,...

computer keyboard with green "Accessibility" key

The 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act marks progress in ensuring access to information and technology for people with disabilities

Posted on September 19, 2023

This year is the 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act, a law made in 1973. This law makes sure that people with disabilities can use federal programs and have jobs. The federal government updated the law in 1986 with Section 508. Section 508 makes sure that information and communication technology (ICT) in the federal sector...

FCC Requires Video Conferencing Platforms to be Accessible

Posted on July 18, 2023

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to require video conferencing platforms, like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Webex, to follow the accessibility requirements under the Communications Act and agency rules that oversee these types of services. Why was this needed? Millions of people use video conferencing for workplace conferences, classes, and talking with family and friends....

California Congressperson introduces accessible tech act

Posted on June 28, 2023

Congressman Mike Thompson introduced the Access Technology Affordability Act. If passed, it would provide a refundable $2,000 credit to blind and vision-impaired people to purchase equipment that helps them to work. The Access Technology Affordability Act will provide those with vision loss the resources they need to get tools and equipment that will help them...

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