47 U.S.C. § 255 : US Code - Section 255: Access by persons with disabilities

Search 47 U.S.C. § 255 : US Code - Section 255: Access by persons with disabilities

(a) Definitions
As used in this section -
(1) Disability
The term "disability" has the meaning given to it by section
12102(2)(A) of title 42.
(2) Readily achievable
The term "readily achievable" has the meaning given to it by
section 12181(9) of title 42.
(b) Manufacturing
A manufacturer of telecommunications equipment or customer
premises equipment shall ensure that the equipment is designed,
developed, and fabricated to be accessible to and usable by
individuals with disabilities, if readily achievable.
(c) Telecommunications services
A provider of telecommunications service shall ensure that the
service is accessible to and usable by individuals with
disabilities, if readily achievable.
(d) Compatibility
Whenever the requirements of subsections (b) and (c) of this
section are not readily achievable, such a manufacturer or provider
shall ensure that the equipment or service is compatible with
existing peripheral devices or specialized customer premises
equipment commonly used by individuals with disabilities to achieve
access, if readily achievable.
(e) Guidelines
Within 18 months after February 8, 1996, the Architectural and
Transportation Barriers Compliance Board shall develop guidelines
for accessibility of telecommunications equipment and customer
premises equipment in conjunction with the Commission. The Board
shall review and update the guidelines periodically.
(f) No additional private rights authorized
Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize any
private right of action to enforce any requirement of this section
or any regulation thereunder. The Commission shall have exclusive
jurisdiction with respect to any complaint under this section.