[TRANSCRIPT & DESC: Zainab is standing in the front of the blue backdrop.

ZAINAB: Technology changes often over the years, and federal laws need to keep up to ensure access for all of us! The NAD and other groups helped in getting the 21st Century Communication and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) passed in 2010 to make technology at that time accessible. Since 2010, there have been many amazing new advances in technology and telecommunications that require a new law to ensure equal access for everyone, including Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing people. This proposed new law, called the Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act (CVTA), was recently introduced in the Senate by Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and in the House of Representatives by Representative Anna G. Eshoo (D-Calif.). If passed, this law would help improve closed captioning standards for TV, online streaming media, and video conferencing platforms. For the first time ever, the law would also direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish requirements for how to show ASL interpreters on TV, such as a picture in picture (PIP) or keeping an in-person interpreter in frame. This law would also improve communication access during emergency situations. The NAD is proud to be part of this work and look forward to its success. You can help by contacting your U.S. Senators and Representative, and asking them to support this CVTA bill. We hope with your support in raising awareness, we all will see improvements in communication access!]