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              Consumer

  Section 255 - Disability Rights Office **Recordkeeping Compliance Certification and Contact Information Registry.** Entities that are subject to Section 255, 716, or 718 of the Communications Act must maintain records of the efforts they take to implement these accessibility requirements and submit recordkeeping compliance certifications and contact information to the FCC annually by April 1 in accordance with the FCC's rules. 47 CFR § 14.31. Contact information must be updated within 30 days of any material change. To submit annual recordkeeping certifications or to enter or update contact information go to https://apps.fcc.gov/rccci-registry/. For additional filing guidance, go to https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-380671A1.pdf.

**Communications Accessibility Complaints.** To implement the CVAA, the FCC established new procedures for filing informal complaints about accessibility problems with the following: telephone services and equipment; advanced communications services and equipment; and Internet browsers built into mobile phones. Learn more about resolving accessibility problems and Requests for Dispute Assistance (RDA) with the FCC consumer guide: Requests for Dispute Assistance. Before filing an RDA, consumers may contact a designated company employee who has authority to resolve complaints regarding these services and equipment. Consumers may search for that person’s contact information at http://apps.fcc.gov/rccci-search/search.action.

Rules

Telecommunications – 47 CFR Part 6
	Voicemail and Interactive Menu Services – 47 CFR Part 7
	Recordkeeping and Enforcement – 47 CFR § 14.30Other Section 255 Links

Section 255 Guide
	Request for Dispute Assistance for Access to CommunicationsOrders, Public Notices, Notices and Press Releases

7-13-22
FCC Takes Enforcement Action Against Verizon Wireless for Apparently Failing to Produce Documentation Exhibiting Due Diligence in Exploring Accessibility and Achievability of its Premium Visual Voicemail Service (DOC 385087)
Public Notice: Word || PDF

6-22-22
CVAA Biennial Report Tentative Findings and Conclusions (DA 22-661)
Public Notice: Word || PDF

6-10-22
FCC Grants Informal Complaint Alleging Non-Compliance with the FCC’s Accessibility Requirements (DA 22-622)
Order: Word || PDF

2-24-22
FCC Reminder about Accessibility Certification Deadline (DA 22-192)
Public Notice: Word || PDF

2-16-22
FCC Seeks Comment on the Accessibility of Communications Technology (DA 22-160)
Public Notice:  Word || PDF

12-3-21
FCC Order Requires ViaTalk to Provide Accessible Product Support Communications (DA 21-1478)
Order:  Word || PDF
Order:  Word || PDF
Citation and Order:  Word || PDF

11-23-21
FCC Considers Handset Accessibility in Verizon Acquisition of TracFone (FCC 21-121)
Order: Word ||PDF

08-19-21
FCC Order Finds ViaTalk In Violation of FCC Accessibility Rule (Updated) (FCC 21-96)
Order:  Word || PDF
Citation and Order:  Word || PDF

08-18-21
FCC Order Finds ViaTalk In Violation of FCC Accessibility Rule (FCC 21-96)
Order:  Word || PDF

03-04-21
Accessibility Recordkeeping Compliance Certification and Contact Information Reporting Requirements (DA 21-264)
Public Notice:  Word || PDF

10-07-20
FCC Sends 2020 CVAA Biennial Report to Congress (DA 20-1164)
Report:  Word || PDF

03-06-19
Accessibility Recordkeeping Compliance Certification and Contact Information Reporting Requirements for Entities Subject to Sections 255, 716, and 718 of the Communications Act (DA 19-156)
Public Notice: Word|| PDF

10-09-18
2018 CVAA Biennial Report. (DA-18-1036)
Report: Word|| PDF

08-09-18
FCC Seeks Comment on Tentative Findings for 2018 CVAA Biennial Report. (DA-18-832)
Public Notice: Word|| PDF

04-10-18
FCC Invites Public Comment in the Preparation of Biennial Report to Congress (Updated: CORRECTED COMMENTS DUE DATE). (DA-18-340)
Public Notice: Word|| PDF
2016 Biennial Report: Word|| PDF

03-01-18
FCC Reminds Public about Accessibility Recordkeeping and Contact Information Requirements (DA 18-206)
Order: Word|| PDF

3-1-17
Accessibility Recordkeeping Compliance Certification and Contact Information Reporting Requirements for Entities Subject to Sections 255, 716, and 718 of the Communications Act. (DA 17-206)
Public Notice: Word|| PDF

10-7-16
2016 CVAA Biennial Report
Report: Word|| PDF

8-23-16
Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Seeks Comment on Its Tentative Findings About the Accessibility of Communications Technologies for the 2016 Biennial Report Under the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act. (CG Docket No. 10-213) (DA 16-961).
Public Notice: Word || PDF

5-23-16
Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Seeks Comment on the Accessibility of Communications Technologies for the 2016 Biennial Report Required by the Twenty-First Century Communications and Accessibility Act. (CG Docket No. 10-213) (DA 16-575).
Public Notice: Word || PDF

3-16-16
Accessibility Recordkeeping Compliance Certification and Contact Information Reporting Requirements for Entities Subject to Sections 255, 716, and 718 of the Communications Act: Application to Broadband Internet Access Service Providers. (DA 16-281).
Public Notice: Word || PDF

3-4-16
Accessibility Recordkeeping Compliance Certification and Contact Information Reporting Requirements for Entities Subject to Sections 255, 716, and 718 of the Communications Act. (DA 16-248).
Public Notice: Word || PDF

3-2-15
Accessibility Recordkeeping Compliance Certification and Contact Information Reporting Requirements for Entities Subject to Sections 255, 716, and 718 of the Communications Act. (DA 15-274).
Public Notice: Word || PDF

10-8-14
Implementation of Sections 716 and 717 of the Communications Act of 1934, as Enacted by the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010. Action by: The Acting Chief, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau. Adopted 10/8/14 by Order. (CG Docket No. 10-213) (DA 14-1470).
Report: Word || PDF

8-24-14
Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Seeks Comment on its Tentative Findings about the Accessibility of Communications Technologies for the 2014 Biennial Report under the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act. (CG Docket No. 10-213) (DA 14-1255).
Public Notice: Word || PDF

6-19-14
FCC Extends Deadline for Comment on the Accessibility of Communications Technologies for the 2014 Biennial Report Required by the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act. (CG Docket No. 10-213) (DA 14-847).
Public Notice: Word || PDF

6-17-14
Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Seeks Comment on the Accessibility of Communications Technologies for the 2014 Biennial Report Required by the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act. (CG Docket No. 10-213) (DA 14-828).
Public Notice: Word || PDF

3-14-14
Accessibility Recordkeeping Compliance and Contact Information Reporting Requirements for Entities Subject to Sections 255, 716, and 718 of the Communications Act. (DA 14-354).
Public Notice: Word || PDF

11-13-13
New Procedures for Telecommunications and Advanced Communications Accessibility Complaints. DA 13-2177.
Public Notice: Word || PDF

1-29-13
Accessibility Recordkeeping Compliance and Contact Information Reporting Requirements for Entities Subject to Sections 255, 716, and 718 of the Communications Act. DA 13-114.
Public Notice: Word || PDF

10-05-12
Biennial Report to Congress as Required by the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010. CG Docket No. 10-213. DA 12-1602.
Report to Congress: Word || PDF

8-23-12
Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Seeks Comment on its Tentative Findings about the Accessibility of Communications Technologies for the First Biennial Report Under the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act. DA 12-1391. Docket No. 10-213. Pleading cycle established.
Public Notice: Word || PDF

7-12-12
Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Seeks Comment on the Accessibility of Communications Technologies for the First Biennial Report Under the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act. CG Docket No. 10-213. DA 12-1125.
Public Notice: Word || PDF

10-7-11
FCC Takes Critical Steps to Bring Advanced Communications Services to Those With Disabilities.
News Release: Word|| PDF
R&O and FNPRM: Word|| PDF
Genachowski Statement: PDF
Copps Statement: PDF
McDowell Statement: PDF
Clyburn Statement: PDF

3-3-11
FCC Proposes to Update Rules Allowing Accessibility to Advanced Communications to 54 Million Consumers With Disabilities.
News Release: Word || PDF
Genachowski Statement: Word || PDF
Copps Statement: Word || PDF

3-3-11
Implementation of Sections 716 and 717 of the Communications Act of 1934, as Enacted by the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010; Amendments to the Commission's Rules Implementing Sections 255 and 251(a)(2) of the Communications Act of 1934, as Enacted by the Telecommunications Act of 1996; In the Matter of Accessible Mobile Phone Options for People who are Blind, Deaf-Blind, or Have Low Vision. (FCC 11-37) CG Docket No. 10-213, WT Docket No. 96-198, and CG Docket No. 10-145.
NPRM: Word || PDF

10-21-10
CGB and WTB Seek Comment on Advanced Communication Provisions of The 21st Century Communications And Video Accessibility Act of 2010.CG Docket No. 10-213
Public Notice: Word || PDF

4-26-10
FCC to Hold Workshop on Expanding Disability Access with Wireless Technologies, May 13, 2010.
News Release: Word || PDF
Workshop Written Statements: Word || PDF

4-23-10
FCC Releases First-Ever Paper on Accessibility and Technology Issues. The FCC issued the agency's first-ever working paper addressing accessibility and technology issues. Part of a series of working papers released in conjunction with the National Broadband Plan.
News Release: Word || PDF

4-2-10
Report on Informal Consumer Complaints Regarding Access to Communications for People With Disabilities.
Second Quarter 2009: Text || PDF
Third Quarter 2009: Text || PDF

9-8-09
Report on Informal Consumer Complaints Regarding Access to Telecommunications for People with Disabilities. The Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) announces information regarding informal consumer complaints processed by the Disability Rights Office (DRO) during the first quarter of the calendar year 2009.
News Release: Word || PDF

5-6-09
Report on Informal Consumer Complaints Regarding Access to Telecommunications for People with Disabilities. The Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) announces information regarding informal consumer complaints processed by the Disability Rights Office (DRO) during the fourth quarter of the calendar year 2008.
News Release: Word || PDF

4-4-08
IP-Enabled Services; Implementation Of Sections 255 And 251(a)(2) Of The Communications Act Of 1934, As Enacted By The Telecommunications Act Of 1996: Access To Telecommunications Service. Extend and modify the current waivers, as they apply to interconnected VoIP providers and traditional TRS providers. (Docket number(s) 92-105, 96-198, 03-123, 04-36)
Order: Word || PDF

6-15-07
Disability Access Requirements Extended to VOIP Services.
Order: Word | PDF
News Release (5/31/07): Word | PDF
Martin Statement: Word | PDF
Copps Statement: Word | PDF
Adelstein Statement: Word | PDF
Tate Statement: Word | PDF
McDowell Statement: Word | PDF

07-21-06
The Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Reminds Telecommunications Equipment Manufacturers and Telecommunications Service Providers of Obligation to Designate Agent for Complaints Received by the FCC. (DA 06-1485)
Public Notice: Word || PDF

06-14-05
The Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Reminds Telecommunications Equipment Manufacturers and Telecommunications Service Providers of Obligation to Designate Agent for Complaints Received by the FCC.
Public Notice: Public Notice DA 05-1653 in Word || Public Notice DA 05-1653 in PDF ]

06-30-04
The Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Reminds Telecommunications Equipment Manufacturers and Telecommunications Service Providers of Obligation to Designate Agent for Complaints Received by the FCC. (DA No. 04-1978)
[Public Notice: Public Notice DA 04-1978 in Word || Public Notice DA 04-1978 in PDF ]

01-05-04
Dr. Bonnie O'Day V. Audiovox Communications Corporation. Granted a joint motion to dismiss with prejudice the formal complaint filed by O'Day and Audiovox and terminated the proceeding.
Order: Order released 1-5-04 [DA 03-4116] in Word || Order released 1-5-04 [DA 03-4116] in PDF ]

12-19-01
The Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Notifies Telecommunications Manufacturers and Service Providers of OMB Approval of Collection of Point of Contact Public Information for Section 255 Covered Entities. (DA No. 01-2730) WTB Docket 96-198
Public Notice: Section 255 Public Notice in Text || Section 255 Public Notice in pdf

09-22-00
FCC Enforcement Bureau Reminds Companies That They Must Make Interactive Voice Menu Products and Services Disability Accessible Under Section 255 of the Telecom Act in a Public Notice Released September 22, 2000.Public Notice in HTML Format

07-07-00
Petitions for Reconsideration and Clarification of Action in Rulemaking Proceedings Filed with the Commission; Reference: Access to Telecommunications Service, Telecommunications Equipment and Customer Premises Equipment by Persons with Disabilities. Public Notice dated July 7, 2000.Public Notice (Microsoft Word) || Public Notice (Text Format)

05-30-00
Complaint Filed Against Sprint Relay (Sprint) by Disabilities Rights, Inc. (DRI) Dismissed. Order Adopted May 25, 2000 and Released May 30, 2000.
Order: Word||PDF

11-04-99
Order granting extension of time for Section 255 NOI comments. Order Adopted 11/4/99.Order - Text formatOrder - Word97 format

09-29-99
Section 255 Report and Order (R&O), released September 29, 1999. The Report and order also has a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) proceeding to study how the development of Internet telephony will impact accessibility. Comments on the NOI are due November 14, 1999; reply comments are due December 14, 1999.
[ Report and Order - PDF Format |Report and Order - ASCII Text Format |News Release - MS Word Format |News Release - ASCII Text Format ]WT DOCKET NO. 96-198 - Internet Telephony **COMMENTS AND REPLY COMMENTS**

07-14-99
FCC Open Meeting on July 14, 1999 adopts Report and Order and Notice of Inquiry on the Implementation of Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996Press Release on Section 255 Item - ASCII Text FormatSummary of Section 255 Item - ASCII Text FormatStatement of Commissioner Powell - ASCII Text FormatStatement of Commissioner Tristani - ASCII Text Format

04-20-98
FCC Proposes Rules to Promote Access to Telecommunications Services and Equipment to Americans with Disabilities.
[WT Docket No. 96-198, FCC 98-55]
[News Release and Statements]

09-19-96
Access to Telecommunications Services, Telecommunications Equipment, and Customer Premises Equipment By Persons with Disabilities (WT Docket 96-198, FCC 96-382)Notice of Inquiry
Public Notice: PDF

        
        
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