Congress is beginning to take note that mobile devices and web videos remain inaccessible to many with disabilities, particularly those who are deaf or blind. Massachusetts Representative Ed Markey is proposing legislation that would mandate certain accessibility requirements for tech developers, such as requiring TV shows on the web to be captioned and ensuring that more cellphones have basic accessibility features for people with visual impairments. The electronics industry have offered tepid support for the measure, offering support for the general goal of accessibility while arguing that government mandates interfere with innovation. That might be a credible argument if the tech industry was actually demonstrating an interest in innovating when it comes to accessibility. Smartphone manufacturers are particularly guilty of dragging their feet on the issue. The iPhone, for example, is now in its fourth generation and it’s only marginally more accessible than the first generation.
The forthcoming election is probably going to prevent this bill from getting traction anytime soon. But the it might provide a persuasive reminder to Apple, HTC, and others that they risk closer scrutiny if they continue to ignore users with disabilities.
