§255 Access by persons with disabilities

Summary

Manufacturers must design and build telephone and other telecom equipment so people with disabilities can use it when that is readily achievable. Telecom service providers must make their services accessible when that is readily achievable. If making a product or service accessible is not readily achievable, they must, when possible, make it work with common assistive or specialized customer devices. Definitions: "disability" — as in 42 U.S.C. 12102(2)(A); "readily achievable" — as in 42 U.S.C. 12181(9). Within 18 months after February 8, 1996, the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board had to create accessibility guidelines for telecom equipment with the Commission and must update them periodically. Individuals cannot sue privately to enforce these rules; the Commission has the sole authority to handle complaints.