Section 255

Consumer Fact Sheet on Section 255 Available

May 2001

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted rules to require telecommunications manufacturers and service providers to make their products and services accessible to people with disabilities, if readily achievable. The rules implement Section 255 of the Communications Act. Where it is not readily achievable to provide access, Section 255 requires manufacturers and providers to make their devices and services compatible with peripheral devices and specialized customer premises equipment that are commonly used by people with disabilities.

The FCC recently made available a consumer fact sheet that explains the requirements of Section 255. The fact sheet address questions such as:

* What types of products and services are covered under Section 255?
* What does it mean to make a product or service accessible?
* How can a manufacturer or service provider identify access needs?
* When must manufacturers and service providers evaluate access needs?

The Consumer Fact Sheet is found on the FCC web site at http://www.fcc.gov/cib/cdtac/section_255_factsheet.html or on the Disabilities Rights Office (DRO) Section 255 web page at http://www.fcc.gov/cib/dro/section255.html.