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.
