The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), as a result of the 21st Century Communications and Video accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA), has jurisdiction over technology that can play video content, as well as, display-only video monitors and projectors. Thus, technology such as televisions, cable set-top boxes, computer monitors, digital cameras, and other digital apparatuses must include accessible user interfaces for people who are blind and low vision.
In Dec. 2021, Peloton Interactive, the connected fitness company filed a limited waiver petition at the FCC seeking to exclude their equipment from the accessible user interface requirements for 18-months.
More information on the FCC’s rules and the Peloton waiver petition are available at: https://www.fcc.gov/fcc-seeks-comment-pelotons-petition-waiver-accessible-user-interface-rules.
In 2020, ACB worked with Peloton to enable the Google Talk Back screen reader on the Peloton Bike and Bike+ to make the user interfaces of their products more accessible. It is our desire that Peloton continue down the path of inclusion and accessibility to make all their products accessible for the blind community.
On Monday, Jan. 24, ACB filed comments with the FCC regarding Peloton's petition for a limited waiver of the accessible user interface and digital apparatus requirements of the CVAA. We oppose the 18 month waiver time period and urge the FCC to clearly state that Peloton's equipment and other connected exercise equipment that plays and controls video content falls directly under the FCC's jurisdiction. ACB’s comments are available at: https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/file/10124914201186/ACB%20Comments%20Peloton%20FCC%20Waiver%20Petition%2001-24-2022%20Final.docx.
Reply comments are due by Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022.
If you would like to file reply comments at the FCC in support of ACB’s comments, you may do so using the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System: https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings. All filings must reference MB Docket No. 12-108 and GN Docket No. 21-140.
If you need assistance filing reply comments online with the FCC due to your disability, you may request assistance by emailing: [email protected].
When filing reply comments, you might write something to the effect of:
Subject: Reply Comments for the Peloton Interactive Limited Waiver Petition for FCC Accessible User Interface Requirements (MB: 12-108 & GN: 21-140)
Name: [First & Last]
Type of Filing: Reply Comments
Mailing Address: [Street, City, State, ZIP]
Email: [Email Address]
Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I live in [City, State]. I am filing reply comments in support of the American Council of the Blind’s comments filed on Monday, January 24, 2022.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever that people who are blind and low vision have access to accessible video user interfaces on exercise and fitness equipment.
[Please share what it would mean for you to independently access the video user interfaces on exercise and fitness equipment.]
For these reasons, I request that:
1 - The FCC should clearly indicate that the video user interfaces of smart and connected fitness and exercise equipment are subject to the Commission’s accessible user interface requirements; &
2 - The FCC should not give Peloton an 18-month waiver to comply with FCC accessible user interface requirements.
Thank You,
[Your Name]