Device and Internet accessibility legislation moved to the president’s desk...

manufacturers to make devices more accessible to the handicapped and mandating closed captioning in Internet video. “Whether it’s a Braille reader or a broadband connection, access to technology is not a political issue -- it’s a participation issue,” said Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., who authored the original House legislation (HR-3101). “Two decades ago, Americans with disabilities couldn’t get around if buildings weren’t wheelchair accessible; today it’s about being Web accessible.” USTelecom, CTIA, NCTA, CEA and the Telecommunications Industry Association applauded the measure’s passage. The political climate has made it difficult to pass any legislation, but the House and Senate worked hard to reach consensus on the disabilities bill, TIA President Grant Seiffert said in an interview. CEA likes the final bill much better than the original one, said President Gary Shapiro. “Unlike the introduced bill, the final version reflects a more balanced approach to ensuring that Americans with disabilities have access to new and emerging technologies, and that manufacturers have the flexibility to be innovative without being burdened by restrictive, government-mandated design standards.” USTelecom CEO Walter McCormick said the bill provides “a sound legal roadmap for ensuring greater accessibility to cutting-edge communications technologies for people with disabilities.” Andrew Imparato, president of the American Association of People with Disabilities, called the bill “a victory for civil rights in our increasingly digital world."