WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a new rule aimed at making caption display settings more accessible for individuals with disabilities. This initiative, part of a multi-year effort by the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) and other advocacy groups, addresses the common frustration of navigating complex settings to customize closed captions.
The new rule, detailed in the FCC’s Third Report and Order, mandates that manufacturers and multichannel video programming distributors make it easier for users to adjust caption settings, including font size, color, and other features. The goal is to ensure that these settings are readily accessible, allowing users to customize captions to fit their needs without hassle.
Enhancing Accessibility for All Viewers
The FCC will evaluate four key factors to determine accessibility:
- Proximity
- Discoverability
- Previewability
- Consistency and Persistence
Both manufacturers and video programming distributors will be required to comply with these standards within two years.
This rule represents a significant step forward in improving accessibility for people who are Deaf or have hearing loss, ensuring that they can easily find and customize captions to enhance their viewing experience.
Source: FCC
