Bill HR 3101 will allow for captions online enabling the hearing impaired to benefit from internet applications that use sound instead of text. For example many networks are now making their shows accessible online but do not have the option of closed captioning. The bill, The 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2009 was introduced on June 26, 2009 by Congressman Ed Markey. There is really no reason not to pass this bill. The technology exists and there are other reasons for captioning online. For example, children learning how to read and hearing adults who are trying to learn English will benefit from this option. The captioning would likely be required by major TV networks not by applications like facebook or YouTube.
There are a couple of ways you can become involved in this movement also called Caption Action 2 and backed by The American Association of People With Disabilities. You can donate to Caption Action 2 on facebook or sign a petition to have the movement passed on COAT (Coalition of Orginizations For Accessible Technology).
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I think this is great. I’m really surprised it has taken this long to put something like this into action. I would have thought that the broadcasting from major TV stations online would have to follow the same mandates as on public tv. I would be greatly shocked if this didn’t pass, but I signed the petition anyway.
Thanks
Do we know if it passed? I have been trying to find out today and I only find info on the wfforts and the encouragement to contact politicians in order to support it.
The grassroots group called CCAC is also working hard to advocate equal access!
We need it!