National News
Smart Phones Will Have To be Hearing Aid Compatible
Posted: Sep 29, 2010 10:57 AM
WASHINGTON (AP) - The blind will have greater access to the
Internet through smart phones, and devices such as iPhones and
Blackberrys will have to be hearing aid compatible, under
legislation Congress has sent to the president.
Mark Richert of the American Foundation for the Blind says the
measure was one of the most comprehensive bills in decades to
improve access for the disabled. Richert, who is blind, says, "It
breaks down barriers for all of us."
The measure sets federal guidelines assuring that the blind will
have access to the Web through improved user interfaces for smart
phones. It also requires that over time more than 60 hours a week
of video programming will have audio descriptions. And it requires
that MP3 players be capable of audio descriptions.
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