The Telecommunications Industry Association (News - Alert) (TIA) commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recently, praising the Obama Administration for recognizing and celebrating the historic legislation in a White House ceremony.

"Twenty years ago today, enactment of this law gave all Americans the right to accessible communications technology," said TIA President Grant Seiffert (News - Alert). "TIA commends President Obama for highlighting this watershed legislation and recommitting to the provisions that are so important to providing equal access to the benefits of information and communications technology."

The TIA (News - Alert) also commended the House Energy and Commerce Committee for its leadership and commitment to disability issues.

Section 508 of the landmark Americans With Disabilities Act, which requires access to the federal government's electronic and information technology for people with disabilities, and for focusing on ensuring better agency accountability and implementation of requirements of Section 508.

Historically, TIA and the companies it represents have strongly supported government efforts to provide access to information and communications technology for Americans with disabilities through advocacy efforts in Washington and innovative technology standards development.

TIA recently submitted comments to the U.S. Access Board providing technical and substantive input for the agency's ongoing refresh of accessibility standards for communications technologies under Section 508 and Section 255 of the Communications Act.

TIA is also supportive of the launch of the FCC's (News - Alert) Accessibility and Innovation Forum, recently submitting recommendations for:

A voluntary online clearinghouse to act as a portal to direct consumers to currently available accessible technologies via an accessible Web site.

A Chairman's award focused on positive on-going innovations that can act as solutions to accessible communications challenges.

Ongoing workshops, field events, and facilitated dialogues to be used to promote innovative accessibility solutions and which should be collocated with events outside the Beltway to encourage participation from a broader community.

TIA has also worked closely with the Hearing Loss Association of American and Gallaudet University to develop the TIA-1083 standard that reduces noise and interference in digital cordless phones when used by people with T-Coil-equipped hearing aids or Cochlear implants. The standard has been updated to apply to newer technologies with digital interfaces, including Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB.

"TIA member companies innovate and deliver accessible information and communications technology," said Seiffert. "We look forward to continue working with the disability community, the Obama Administration and the Congress on improving accessibility to technology to give all Americans the best quality of life attainable."

The TIA represents the global information and communications technology industry.