CNIB Board Chair Robert Fenton discussing Bill C-11

Yesterday CNIB’s Board chair Robert Fenton appeared before the Senate’s Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications to discuss Bill C-11, also known as the Online Streaming Act.

The Bill, which is now in full study, aims to regulate streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ in the same way that your cable is regulated. This is an opportunity to ensure that all television programming, regardless of source, is available without barriers for people with disabilities, including more described video.

“Access to media is an important part of Canadian culture. It allows us to debate issues around the water cooler or in public forums,” said Fenton. “Bill C-11 opens the door for changing the scope of the CRTC’s jurisdiction in a way that is more representative and accepting of people with disabilities. But we want you to go further.”

CNIB is calling for Bill C-11 to be strengthened and ensure that an individuals television viewing, from turning on the tv or application, to the end of watching, is fully accessible. Set-top boxes, content navigation, and described video must be accessible and inclusive for all.

To watch Robert Fenton’s full appearance visit https://www.parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/44-1/bill/C-11/third-reading

[Video description: Robert Fenton sits in front of a laptop with a refreshable braille display while delivering his speech to the Canadian Senate.]

Видео CNIB Board Chair Robert Fenton discussing Bill C-11 канала CNIB