Why Existing Standards Weren’t Enough WCAG and Section 508 set the foundation for accessibility, but they fall short for modern video. Streaming apps, smart TVs, captions, audio description, and text-to-speech navigation create challenges those standards never imagined. Entertainment needed a clear, unified framework that addressed real-world use across platforms and devices. My Role in Building the Framework I led the effort to create the first holistic accessibility standards for video entertainment. To start, I brought together WCAG, Section 508, CVAA, and FCC rules into one unified framework. I then expanded these rules to cover modern needs like remote control navigation, [...]

When Streaming Isn’t Accessible Streaming is how most of us watch TV and movies, but accessibility still lags behind. Users who rely on screen readers, text-to-speech, captions, or adaptive remotes struggle with simple tasks. Pausing a show or skipping ahead often feels frustrating. Too many companies treat accessibility as a checklist instead of a design principle. Pluto TV set out to change that. The goal was a video player that not only met requirements but delivered a seamless experience for everyone. Researching Existing Gaps in the Market I led this project from the ground up. From the start, I built [...]

In today’s digital age, video content is one of the most powerful and widely consumed forms of media. Whether it’s streaming a favorite show, playing an immersive video game, or catching the latest news broadcast, millions of people rely on video for entertainment, education, and information. Yet, for people with disabilities, accessing video content can still present significant barriers. Video accessibility isn’t just about compliance with legal standards—it’s about guaranteeing that everyone, regardless of ability, has equal access to the rich, multi-sensory experiences that video platforms offer. Why Video Accessibility Matters Video accessibility makes certain that people with disabilities can [...]