Genachowski: FCC is ‘setting stage’ for cell phones to meet hearing aid standards

The FCC also adopted a policy statement that urges manufacturers to think about hearing aid compatibility when they are still in the planning stages of product development.  

The measures had the support of commissioners from both parties. Republican Commissioner Robert McDowell, who had pushed for changes to some parts of the actions, said the measures preserve “conditions for innovation and investment.” He commended the staff for using his input. 

In a separate success for advocates of accessible technology standards, an update to the Americans with Disabilities Act passed the Senate late last week after clearing the House in July. The update to the two-decade-old law tries to ensure electronics not covered by current rules must also meet accessibility standards. 

For instance, the legislation will mandate closed captioning on a larger swath of online video. Rep. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Sen. Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) authored the bill.