Legal Disclaimer
This guide provides general information about accessibility compliance requirements. It is not legal advice. Consult with qualified legal professionals for specific compliance questions and requirements that apply to your organization and jurisdiction.
Table of Contents
1. Accessibility Laws Overview
Video accessibility is governed by multiple laws and standards designed to ensure equal access to digital content for people with disabilities. Understanding these requirements is crucial for organizations that publish video content.
ADA
Americans with Disabilities Act - Broad civil rights law prohibiting discrimination
US Federal LawWCAG 2.1
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines - Technical standards for web accessibility
International StandardSection 508
Federal accessibility standards for government agencies and contractors
US GovernmentWho Must Comply?
- • Public Accommodations: Businesses open to the public (Title III ADA)
- • Government Entities: State and local governments (Title II ADA)
- • Federal Agencies: All federal departments and contractors (Section 508)
- • Educational Institutions: Schools receiving federal funding
- • Healthcare Providers: Hospitals, clinics, and medical practices
- • Financial Institutions: Banks, credit unions, and financial services
2. ADA Requirements
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that places of public accommodation provide equal access to their services, including digital content. While the ADA doesn't specify technical standards, courts increasingly reference WCAG guidelines.
Key ADA Principles for Video Content
Equal Access
Video content must be accessible to people with hearing impairments through captions or transcripts.
Effective Communication
Auxiliary aids (like captions) must provide effective communication equivalent to that provided to others.
Reasonable Accommodations
Organizations must make reasonable modifications to policies and procedures to ensure accessibility.
Recent Legal Developments
- • Increasing number of ADA lawsuits targeting inaccessible video content
- • Courts referencing WCAG 2.1 AA as the standard for compliance
- • Settlements requiring comprehensive accessibility audits and remediation
- • Emphasis on proactive compliance rather than reactive fixes
3. WCAG 2.1 Guidelines
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 provide specific technical criteria for making web content accessible. Level AA compliance is widely considered the legal standard.
WCAG Success Criteria for Video
1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded) - Level A
Captions are provided for all prerecorded audio content in synchronized media.
Requirements: Accurate, synchronized, and equivalent captions for all speech and important sounds.
1.2.4 Captions (Live) - Level AA
Captions are provided for all live audio content in synchronized media.
Requirements: Real-time captions for live broadcasts, webinars, and streaming content.
1.4.2 Audio Control - Level A
Users must be able to pause, stop, or control the volume of audio that plays automatically.
Requirements: Audio controls accessible via keyboard and screen readers.
5. Subtitle Technical Requirements
Compliant subtitles must meet specific technical and quality standards to ensure accessibility.
Content Requirements
- • All spoken dialogue and narration
- • Speaker identification when not clear
- • Important sound effects and music
- • Off-screen speech and voices
- • Accurate spelling and grammar
Technical Standards
- • Synchronized within ±1 second
- • Readable font size and contrast
- • Maximum 2 lines per caption
- • 32-42 characters per line
- • Minimum 1.5 second duration
7. Compliance Checklist
Video Accessibility Compliance Checklist
Ensure Your Content Meets Accessibility Standards
Create compliant subtitles with our professional tools designed to meet accessibility requirements.