I write as your constituent and a member of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance asking you to support S.2494/H.R.4858, the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVTA). The ACI Alliance joins other hearing health, disability, and other groups in supporting this effort. This legislation would update and strengthen existing accessibility regulations secured through the 2010 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) to stay up-to-date with the proliferation of new technologies—from video conferencing platforms to artificial intelligence.
When passed, the CVTA would support those who are deaf or hard of hearing by:
- Improve and expand closed captioning and audio description standards for television programming and online video streaming platforms to ensure people with disabilities have equitable access to the wide range of programming available to the general public;
- Update current requirements to ensure viewers can easily activate and select preferred settings for closed captions and audio description on their video programming devices, such as televisions, smart phones, laptops, and tablets;
- Improve access to video conferencing platforms for people with disabilities;
- Ensure people with disabilities have equitable access to 9-1-1 emergency services; and,
- Empower the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure accessibility regulations keep pace with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and augmented or virtual reality platforms.
Please consider joining the list of sponsors and supporting this critical act.
