Congress is considering the reintroduced Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility (CVTA) Act. This bill (H.R.8327 in the House and S.4322 in the Senate) would strengthen accessibility requirements across communications and video technologies, including video conferencing services, online streaming programming, and emerging technologies. Ensuring more equitable access is essential for education, employment, and participation in social and civic activities. Despite significant technological advancements over the past decade, federal technological accessibility requirements have not been updated since 2010, leaving many individuals with disabilities unable to fully participate in online spaces.
This bill would help ensure all Americans have equitable access to technological advancements by closing gaps in federal accessibility laws.
Among its key provisions, the CVTA Act would strengthen closed captioning and audio description requirements for television and online streaming content, improve the usability of accessibility features across devices, expand access to video conferencing platforms, and enhance access to 9-1-1 emergency services.
Without clear accessibility standards, including requirements for audio description and closed captions in online programming, people with disabilities continue to face barriers with equal access to communication and opportunity. ACB urges Congress to support the CVTA Act to strengthen accessibility protections and promote inclusion in an increasingly digital society.