Making a video handicap accessible

Did you know there are Three U.S. laws apply to online video accessibility?

These laws offer little in the way of telling us what is actually required and how to achieve it. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the most far-reaching piece of accessibility legislation.

These laws were created to protect the disabled persons from the practice of discrimination.  These laws represent basic civil rights.  Although the America Disabilities Act does not speak about online video it does mention auxiliary aids in communication for hearing or vision impaired.  Both public and private entities are affected by the ADA.  As businesses, government , and educational institutions we have a responsibility to be certain all individuals have equal access to our communications.

ADA Title II: State and Local Public Entities Must Be Accessible

Simply put, Title II prohibits disability discrimination by all public entities at the local and state level. Public entities such as schools, courts, police departments, and many others must comply with Title II regulations as outlined by the U.S. Department of Justice regardless of whether they receive federal funds.

The Title II mandate states: They must furnish auxiliary aids and services when necessary to ensure effective communication, unless an undue burden or fundamental alteration would result. Shall operate their programs so that, when viewed in their entirety, they are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.

Title II does not address retail businesses online, such as hotels, local service businesses, retail stores, restaurants …. but the Ttile III of the ADA does. Title III states all persons are to be granted the same rights to full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, or accommodations of any place of public accommodation by any person who owns, leases (or leases to), or operates a place of public accommodation.  This extends to any business or organization online.  This rule extends to the videos you host online.  In 2012 Netflix settled a suit out of court for a legally blind consent decree.  It was decided by the court during this process that just as businesses are obligated to build their structures handicap accessible from the ground up so are businesses obligated to make their businesses online accessible to the disabled.

We understand this is a daunting task for some businesses but we would ask you to join us in doing our part to make the internet accessible to everyone.  Below is a sample of a video to which closed caption has been added, as well as, the time code and transcription below it.

Not sure how to make your video 504 compliant?  There are other companies available online just like ours that offer services in this area.  Give a call and start today.

 

Video Transcription:

[00:00:00.00] {font:Arial}{size:14}{Plain}{textColor:65535, 65535, 65535}When my back pain became unbearable my doctor gave me three choices;

[00:00:04.240] {font:Arial}{size:14}{Plain}{textColor:65535, 65535, 65535}stop running, have surgery, or try physical therapy.

[00:00:09.200] {font:Arial}{size:14}{Plain}{textColor:65535, 65535, 65535}I chose K Conway physical therapy and they created a program that tackle my pain.

[00:00:13.690] {font:Arial}{size:14}{Plain}{textColor:65535, 65535, 65535} I got better and was soon able to run again

[00:00:15.69] {font:Arial}{size:14}{Plain}{textColor:65535, 65535, 65535}While in therapy, I even completed the Marine Corp Half Marathon with my family.

[00:00:21.00] {font:Arial}{size:14}{Plain}{textColor:65535, 65535, 65535}Now I stay healthy after joining the KConway wellness club.

[00:00:26.00] {font:Arial}{size:14}{Plain}{textColor:65535, 65535, 65535}KCPT if you’re hurt that’s where you need to be. [00:00:29.98]