STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER MIGNON L. CLYBURN Re: Video Description: Implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, MB Docket No. 11-43. During last week’s House Subcommittee hearing, I previewed the mantra “community, community, community.” Today’s Commission action furthers the goal of universal opportunity and cultural inclusiveness by helping individuals who are blind or visually impaired enjoy the same popular television programs as their friends, family, and others in their community. There are many wonderful benefits, that have been realized since the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) was signed into law in October 2010. Perhaps most important to me, is the fact that this forward looking law allows the Commission to enhance the independence, productivity, and overall quality of life for millions. Today’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeks to expand the availability of video described programming by 75 percent, and consistent with the statute, the proposed increase from 50 hours per calendar year to 87.5 hours will make a big difference in the lives of individuals who are blind or visually impaired, allowing them to immerse themselves in the programming in a way that the audio dialogue simply does not provide. The Notice seeks comment on whether the Commission’s rules should include even more networks, and if we should apply these requirements to Video-on-Demand programming. These questions remind us that our work when it comes to making programming more accessible will never be complete and, thankfully, the statute gives the Commission the authority to continually revisit whether we are satisfactorily meeting the communications needs of those who would benefit from video description. Last year, marked the 25 th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act – that landmark legislation that forever changed the lives of countless Americans. Today’s NPRM marks yet another important milestone in the Commission’s ongoing work to improve the lives and broadcast experiences of people who have or are experiencing vision loss. Thanks are due to the Media Bureau and the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau for their work on this important item. The Commission’s steadfast commitment to fulfilling the goals of the CVAA, by expanding accessibility in communications for people who are blind or visually impaired, will make an everlasting difference in the lives of millions of Americans.