Thursday, July 29, 2010

House Improves Internet Access For Disabled

Low-Income Disabled To Get Support For Internet

By Jim Abrams
Associated Press
WSBTV.com
Health
July 29, 2010

WASHINGTON -- The House on Monday celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act by approving legislation assuring that the disabled have full access to the Internet and television.

"The ADA mandated physical ramps into buildings," said Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., sponsor of the bill. "Today, individuals with disabilities need online ramps to the Internet so they can get to the Web from wherever they happen to be."

The bill, which passed 348-23 and now moves to the Senate, takes such steps as making it easier for the blind to access the Internet from smart phones, providing deaf people with the ability to watch new TV programs online with captions included, and requiring that telecom equipment used to make calls over the Internet be compatible with hearing aids.

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