Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996
What is Section 255?
Section 255 is a U.S. law that requires telecommunications products and services to be accessible to people with disabilities whenever it's reasonably possible to do so. The law recognizes that everyone should have equal access to communication technologies like phones, computers with modems, and other telecommunication devices 113.
Key Requirements in Simple Terms
- Accessible Design: Companies that make telecommunication equipment (like phones, pagers, or fax machines) must design them to be usable by people with disabilities when "readily achievable" - meaning without too much difficulty or expense 26.
- Compatibility Requirement: If making a product fully accessible isn't readily achievable, manufacturers must at least make sure their products work with special adaptive devices that people with disabilities might use (like TTY devices or hearing aid-compatible phones) 29.
- Service Accessibility: Phone companies and other telecommunication service providers must make their services accessible to people with disabilities when readily achievable 69.
- Types of Disabilities Covered: The law considers various disabilities including vision, hearing, movement, speech, and cognitive limitations 211.
What Products Are Covered?
The law applies to:
- Regular and cell phones
- Pagers and fax machines
- Computers with modems
- Equipment used by phone companies 213
Important Dates
- Enacted: February 8, 1996 614
- Guidelines Issued: February 3, 1998 (by the Access Board) 11
Enforcement
If you encounter accessibility issues with telecommunication products or services, you can file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which enforces this law. However, individuals cannot file lawsuits under this law - all complaints go through the FCC 19.
This explanation is based on official documents from the U.S. Access Board and Federal Communications Commission. For more information, please refer to: https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/passengers-disabilities