and is in wider use than ever before. Many technology companies have incorporated screen access technology functionalities into their products. Screen access technology is not the only mechanism by which home use medical devices, exercise equipment, and home appliances can be made accessible to blind consumers. In some cases, tactile markings, audible tones, or cost-effective and widely available text-to-speech technology may be sufficient to make such devices fully accessible. Devices can be designed to work with nonvisual access technology used by the blind at little or no extra cost as long as such compatibility is taken into consideration at the beginning of the design process. (6) Consumers who are blind must be able to operate home use medical devices, exercise equipment, and home appliances in an equally effective and equally integrated manner and with equivalent ease of use as consumers without disabilities. 3. Minimum nonvisual access standard for covered devices (a) In general The Access Board shall promulgate a minimum nonvisual access standard for each type of covered device that will ensure nonvisual access to such respective device by blind consumers. (b) Effective date A minimum nonvisual access standard shall apply to a covered device that is manufactured after the date that is 24 months after the date on which such standard is promulgated. 4. Rulemaking (a) In general The Architectural and Transportation Compliance Board established pursuant to section 502 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 792 ) (in this Act referred to as the Access Board ) shall conduct a review of nonvisual accessibility standards for home use medical devices, home appliances, and exercise equipment. (b) Research and consultation In conducting the review required by subsection (a), the Access Board shall— (1) review all available research on methods by which blind consumers can acquire nonvisual access to covered devices