Beyond Broadcast: How the New CVTA Amendment Expands Digital Accessibility 

In early October 2010, President Obama signed into law the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA). This legislation brought federal communications laws up-to-date with 21^st century technology to ensure accessibility standards for persons with disabilities. Modernizing pre-existing legislation, the CVAA laid the framework for the newest legislation under review, the CVTA.  

The Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act (CVTA) includes the latest recommended updates to this legislation in consideration of the newest broadcasting technologies and practices. This article includes the updates within this legislation under consideration, what these updates mean for accessibility offerings for American businesses, and how they will support American audiences.  

Updates Pending the CVTA Passing 

With digital technology use at an all-time high, and artificial intelligence developing daily, accessibility requirements within these developments must be considered. The American Foundation for the Blind highlights the updates to current legislation with the CVTA as follows,  

“The CVTA would change the FCC regulations to: 

• Require audio description on almost all television programming; 

• Require audio description on video programming delivered via Internet Protocol that is posted by large content creators; 

• Require online video platforms to provide easy-to-use audio description authoring tools for content creators; 

• Improve the quality of audio description; 

• Expand the availability of closed captioning video programming on television and online; 

• Make closed captioning and audio description settings easier to find and use; 

• Require video conferencing services to be compatible with assistive technologies; 

• Require access to emergency services via real time text, direct video calling, or telecommunications relay services; and 

• Expand access to the National DeafBlind Equipment Distribution Program and double the program’s authorization to $20 million.” 

Additionally, the CVTA stands to better the lives of Deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers by requiring accessibility features such as ASL interpretation within 2 years of content development, accessibility in emergency communications, and expanding access requirements from hardware to software applications. Finally, the CVTA would establish an Advanced Communications Services Advisory Committee to guide accessibility standards.  

Cause and Effect 

For American businesses that rely on live video conferencing, produce broadcast content, or create digital media, the CVTA represents a significant shift in both responsibility and opportunity. If passed, the law will require that businesses ensure accessibility features—like audio description, closed captioning, and ASL interpretation—are consistently available across all video content and platforms. This impacts everything from internal company meetings and webinars to externally published promotional materials and customer-facing videos. In practical terms, companies must evaluate their current technologies and partnerships to ensure their video content is inclusive and compliant, potentially investing in new tools or service providers that specialize in accessibility. 

However, this legislation also opens doors for innovation, audience expansion, and deeper engagement. By integrating inclusive practices into their communications and media strategies, businesses not only comply with evolving federal mandates but also demonstrate a commitment to equitable access. This can strengthen brand reputation, improve customer loyalty, and open markets to millions of Americans who rely on these accessibility features. From streaming platforms to corporate training programs, the CVTA signals that accessibility is not a nice-to-have—but a fundamental expectation in 21st century business communication. 

Here are 5 practical tips businesses can follow to ensure a smooth transition in anticipation of the CVTA: 

1. Audit Your Current Content and Platforms 
   Conduct an accessibility audit of your existing video content, conferencing tools, and broadcasting platforms. Check for features like closed captions, audio description, and compatibility with assistive technology. Identify what’s missing and prioritize updates based on frequency of use and public visibility. Explore our post-production services to bring your existing content into compliance! 

2. Choose Accessible Technology Partners 
   Work with vendors who offer built-in accessibility features, such as video platforms that support real-time captioning, ASL interpretation overlays, and screen reader compatibility. Confirm that conferencing tools are compatible with assistive devices and offer settings for visual and auditory accessibility. 

3. Invest in Training and Awareness 
   Train your communications and media teams on best practices for accessibility, including how to properly format captions, use audio description tools, and ensure accessible design from the start. Building this knowledge internally can make compliance a standard part of your workflow. 

4. Implement Accessibility into Your Workflow Early 
   Bake accessibility into your content creation process from the beginning rather than adding it after production. This saves time, reduces costs, and ensures that all content meets legal and ethical standards from day one. 

5. Consult with Experts and the Communities You Serve 
   Engage with accessibility consultants and members of the Deaf, hard-of-hearing, blind, and low-vision communities. Their insights can help you create content that’s not only compliant but truly inclusive and effective. 

The Impact 

For Deaf and hard-of-hearing users, the CVTA represents a long-overdue modernization of how accessibility is prioritized in today’s digital landscape. Under this legislation, more consistent and high-quality closed captioning will become the norm across both televised and online video content. The CVTA’s requirement for ASL interpretation within two years of content development is a transformative milestone—recognizing American Sign Language as an essential communication method, not an optional feature. This advancement means Deaf users will no longer have to rely solely on captions, which often miss nuance or context, especially in complex or fast-paced media. 

Additionally, the CVTA strengthens real-time communication accessibility. Video conferencing platforms—now commonplace in workplaces, schools, and healthcare settings—will be required to work seamlessly with assistive technologies. This ensures that Deaf and hard-of-hearing users can fully participate in live interactions through features like relay services and direct video calling. Emergency communications will also become more inclusive, allowing faster, clearer access in critical situations. Overall, the CVTA signals a societal shift toward valuing equitable participation and ensuring no one is left behind in our increasingly digital world. 

The Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act isn’t just an update to past policy—it’s a vision for a more inclusive digital future. For businesses, this is an opportunity to lead with accessibility, meet growing legal expectations, and genuinely serve all audiences. For the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, it’s a step toward fuller access, visibility, and equity in communication. As the digital world evolves, accessibility must evolve with it—and the CVTA is a meaningful stride in that direction. 

Sources:  

https://afb.org/research-and-initiatives/take-action/cvta

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/2494/text

https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/21st-century-communications-and-video-accessibility-act-cvaa