
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 23, 2000]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 23, 2000 and December 4, 2001]
[CITE: 47USC255]

 
          TITLE 47--TELEGRAPHS, TELEPHONES, AND RADIOTELEGRAPHS
 
                 CHAPTER 5--WIRE OR RADIO COMMUNICATION
 
                     SUBCHAPTER II--COMMON CARRIERS
 
               Part II--Development of Competitive Markets
 
Sec. 255. Access by persons with disabilities


(a) Definitions

    As used in this section--

                           (1) Disability

        The term ``disability'' has the meaning given to it by section 
    12102(2)(A) of title 42.

                       (2) Readily achievable

        The term ``readily achievable'' has the meaning given to it by 
    section 12181(9) of title 42.

(b) Manufacturing

    A manufacturer of telecommunications equipment or customer premises 
equipment shall ensure that the equipment is designed, developed, and 
fabricated to be accessible to and usable by individuals with 
disabilities, if readily achievable.

(c) Telecommunications services

    A provider of telecommunications service shall ensure that the 
service is accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, if 
readily achievable.

(d) Compatibility

    Whenever the requirements of subsections (b) and (c) of this section 
are not readily achievable, such a manufacturer or provider shall ensure 
that the equipment or service is compatible with existing peripheral 
devices or specialized customer premises equipment commonly used by 
individuals with disabilities to achieve access, if readily achievable.

(e) Guidelines

    Within 18 months after February 8, 1996, the Architectural and 
Transportation Barriers Compliance Board shall develop guidelines for 
accessibility of telecommunications equipment and customer premises 
equipment in conjunction with the Commission. The Board shall review and 
update the guidelines periodically.

(f) No additional private rights authorized

    Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize any private 
right of action to enforce any requirement of this section or any 
regulation thereunder. The Commission shall have exclusive jurisdiction 
with respect to any complaint under this section.

(June 19, 1934, ch. 652, title II, Sec. 255, as added Pub. L. 104-104, 
title I, Sec. 101(a), Feb. 8, 1996, 110 Stat. 75.)

                  Section Referred to in Other Sections

    This section is referred to in section 251 of this title; title 29 
section 792.
