Access for People with Disabilities

People with all types of disabilities benefit from access to data and communications technology. This includes sensory, physical, speech-related, and cognitive disabilities. For some, though, using the telephone or other technology can be difficult. Federal law requires telecommunications equipment manufacturers and service providers to make their products and services accessible to people with disabilities. If access is not “readily achievable,” the law requires that devices and services be compatible to the extent possible with the specialized equipment commonly used by people with disabilities.

For example, in 2008, the Federal Communications Commission mandated that consumers with hearing and speech disabilities must have access to a telephone network that is “functionally equivalent” to voice telephone services.