Big news for all the TV lovers out there: the FCC just took a decisive step toward ensuring more video described programming is available to people with vision loss. This week, the FCC voted unanimously (4-0) to require leading broadcast and cable channels to offer at least 50 hours of described programming every calendar quarter. This will allow those of us who are blind or visually impaired to keep up with news and pop culture and more fully participate in society. When the new rules kick in July 1, 2012, video description will begin to take its rightful place along side closed captioning as a useful and popular means for enjoying TV.
And just like captioning, we can expect that a service first deployed for people with disabilities will grow into a medium with much wider appeal.
