Policy Issues in Communications Accessibility

Abstract

The issue of communication accessibility is an extension of the concept of architectural accessibility. Communications accessibility would eliminate barriers to information flow and to communication processes for people with sensory impairments. Among the environmental factors which affect communications accessibility are the availability of technology and architectural design factors. At present some statutes and regulations apply to communications accessibility, but changes are needed in laws and regulations at the federal, state, and local levels. The economic problems raised by the need to enhance communications accessibility are similar to those for architectural accessibility, except that communications accessibility more often entails on-going costs. Although the costs of some modifications may be covered under existing laws or programs, many are not.