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, audio description controls, and caption behavior.

I worked directly with engineers, legal teams, designers, and content producers to ensure the standards were both comprehensive and practical. I also designed the documentation system to be modular so teams, vendors, and partners could adopt it at scale. Finally, I open-sourced a version through VideoA11y.org, which has since been adopted informally by several major players in the entertainment industry.

From Internal Guide to Industry Resource

What started as internal documentation at Spectrum grew into a resource shared across the entertainment industry. The standards set consistent patterns for captions, audio description, screen reader navigation, and inclusive UI design. They bridged advocacy and implementation by giving both teams and the wider accessibility community practical tools to drive change.

Outcomes That Moved the Industry Forward

The framework became more than rules. It evolved into community-driven guidance shaped by real users with disabilities, and it challenged the industry to do better. By writing the standards in clear, accessible language, I gave teams the confidence to act quickly. These standards now influence how leading entertainment companies approach accessibility at scale.

Lessons I Carried Forward

This project proved that accessibility is more than a technical layer. It is cultural infrastructure that defines how people experience storytelling. By grounding the framework in empathy, user research, and cultural nuance, I created something dynamic and empowering. My ability to imagine inclusive futures, write them clearly, and scale them across industries pushed accessibility forward—because I took the first step.

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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 accessibility into every decision. To understand the landscape, I spent more than 100 hours testing apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Roku, and Apple TV. I uncovered hundreds of issues and documented gaps across devices. Then I consolidated over 3,000 data points into insights that guided our design and engineering teams.

Turning Accessibility Into a Differentiator

I worked directly with product and UX partners to shift thinking. Instead of asking “how do we meet the minimum,” we asked “how do we set the standard?” That shift opened the door to new ideas: adjustable skip rates, pause-on-background playback, persistent settings across sessions, and navigation informed by assistive technology best practices.

I also ensured the work lived beyond this project. I documented findings and solutions in resources that became Pluto’s guide for accessible video design.

Building a Player That Anticipates Needs

We delivered a redesigned player with accessibility at every level. It introduced features users had wanted for years. It also included features they hadn’t thought to request. Every choice reduced friction and let people enjoy entertainment without barriers.

Changing the Team’s Perspective

This marked the first time Pluto TV included an accessibility expert from day one. That presence changed how the company approached inclusive design. The new player became Pluto’s most accessible to date and set a higher bar for the industry. The project also proved a larger point: accessibility doesn’t slow teams down or limit creativity. It makes products stronger for everyone.

Major Wins

I’m most proud of how this project shifted Pluto’s design culture. By embedding empathy into the process and anticipating user needs, we proved that accessibility drives innovation. The new player showed what’s possible when you move past compliance and design for real people.

The post Case Study: Designing an Accessible Streaming Video Player appeared first on VideoA11y.

Why Video Accessibility Matters

Video accessibility makes certain that people with disabilities can fully engage with video content. For someone who is blind or visually impaired, Text-to-Speech (TTS) and Audio Descriptions can transform their experience, allowing them to navigate menus or enjoy visual storytelling. For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, Closed Captioning is essential, providing them with on-screen text to follow along with spoken dialogue and sound effects. These features, along with inclusive design practices, make sure that the content we all take for granted is available to everyone.

The growing demand for inclusive digital experiences has driven many companies to invest in accessibility, but there’s still much work to be done. This is where the role of video accessibility professionals becomes crucial. Professionals in this field not only help companies meet compliance standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and our own Video Accessibility Standards (VAS), but they also elevate the entire user experience. In my 20 years of experience as a video accessibility and user experience expert, I’ve seen firsthand how impactful this work is for the community.

Making an Impact

During my time as Lead Video Accessibility Engineer at Spectrum, we transformed the way the company approached accessibility. Within 18 months, I led a team to develop features that propelled Spectrum to industry leadership in Text-to-Speech, Audio Description, Closed Captioning, and Inclusive Usability. The impact? Over 2 million people with disabilities were able to access and enjoy content that had previously been inaccessible to them. This is not just about improving services—it’s about empowering individuals to experience the same media as everyone else.

At Paramount and Pluto TV, I played a pivotal role in leading a cross-platform project to improve accessibility for connected TV apps. We focused on ARIA-based Text-to-Speech solutions, which brought these apps on par with Apple’s VoiceOver screen reader, allowing users with visual impairments to interact with streaming content more effectively. This was more than just a feature upgrade—it was about ensuring that people who rely on assistive technology have the same immersive experience as their sighted peers.

Working on video accessibility isn’t just about adding captions or enabling a screen reader. It’s about fundamentally rethinking how we design experiences. By including accessibility in the development process from the start, we can create platforms that are not only compliant but also enjoyable and intuitive for all users. At VideoA11y.org where I serve as the Accessibility Research & Content Lead, my team and I are building open-source standards that help companies go beyond minimum compliance. We are pushing the boundaries of what video accessibility can achieve and leading discussions that will shape the future of the industry.

The Future of Video Entertainment

As technologies such as virtual and augmented reality continue to evolve, the importance of video accessibility professionals will only grow. Emerging media formats pose new challenges for people with disabilities, and it’s up to accessibility experts to ensure that these new experiences are designed with inclusivity in mind. The standards and innovations we implement today will shape how people of all abilities engage with entertainment for years to come.

For companies, investing in accessibility is no longer optional—it’s essential for reaching broader audiences and allowing everyone to participate in the content you create. Accessibility professionals, like myself and others in the field, are at the forefront of these efforts, helping businesses not only meet compliance but also create products that are empathetic and user-centric.

Why Video Accessibility Is a Career of the Future

The need for dedicated video accessibility professionals is growing, and the work they do is invaluable. Accessibility is not just about checking boxes on a compliance form; it’s about improving lives. By creating content that’s accessible, we’re giving people the opportunity to enjoy media, learn, and connect with the world in ways they couldn’t before. Companies that prioritize accessibility aren’t just meeting legal obligations—they’re showing that they care about every viewer, regardless of their abilities.

As a video accessibility leader, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that accessible video content can have on people’s lives. The future of entertainment is inclusive, and the demand for professionals who understand the intricacies of video accessibility will only continue to rise. This is an exciting field where the work you do truly makes a difference, not just for companies, but for millions of people who deserve an equal seat at the table of digital entertainment.

Conclusion

Video accessibility is more than a profession—it’s a mission to break down barriers and make the digital world more inclusive. As video continues to dominate our screens, the need for dedicated professionals who understand how to create accessible, user-friendly platforms has never been greater. Whether you’re a company looking to improve your video offerings or someone passionate about making a difference, accessibility in video is the future, and we’re just getting started.

The post Video Accessibility: Removing Barriers to Inclusive Entertainment appeared first on VideoA11y.

Key Concepts: Accessible Video Scrubbing

To better understand the impact of our proposed solutions, let’s define some key terms:

• Scrubbing: Fast-forwarding or rewinding through a video via a progress bar.
• Interval: The unit of progress movement on the video timeline.
• Skip Rate: The time between each interval when scrubbing.
• Scrubbing Speed: The amount of time skipped per interval.

Goals of Accessible Video Scrubbing for Connected TV Players

Our main objective was to enhance the user experience for all, especially those with motor disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, MS, and Arthritis. We aimed to:

• Eliminate press-and-hold interactions, which can be challenging for users with limited motor control.
• Provide better support for basic remote controls (like d-pads) with limited buttons.
• Calculate relative scrubbing speeds for videos of varying lengths (from 1 minute to 4 hours).
• Improve the experience for Text-to-Speech (TTS) users by providing timely updates on the playback timeline.

Accessible Remote Control Functionality

For remotes with limited buttons, such as d-pads, our solution focuses on simplifying controls:

• We removed the need for “press and hold” interactions, instead relying on d-pad navigation to adjust scrubbing speed.
• We ensured that users can toggle between 2x, 4x, and 8x speeds with a single button press, maintaining compatibility with advanced remotes while accommodating simpler ones.

The Proposed Accessible Video Scrubbing Solution

Our solution redefines the scrubbing experience using the d-pad on Connected TV remotes, offering smoother control and better accessibility for users with motor impairments. Here’s how:

• The scrubbing speed is set at 1 interval per second, with TTS updates delivered every 4 intervals. This gives users enough time between updates to hear concise timestamp updates, regardless of their TTS speech rate.
• We implemented scrubbing speeds labeled 1x (standard playback), 2x, 4x, and 8x, which are typical in video player designs and familiar to most users. These speeds do not represent a static doubling of speed and are calculated relative to the video length.

Technical Calculations

If you are a video player developer, you’ll certainly appreciate this math. Otherwise, this information gets a bit technical in order to explain the process of accessible scrubbing. If you don’t understand it, please reach out to us. We are more than happy to explain it in a conversation instead of text.

v = the total video length

y = the 2x (relative) scrubbing speed

y = v/240 + 1.75

If you would like to learn more about how my teammate, Jaidynn Fohr, ended up with this function, please see the Supplemental Math section in our doc.

Accessible Scrubbing Examples

Using these calculations, we can know exactly how the accessible scrubbing solution works in a 30-minute video:

• At 2x speed, there are 141 intervals of 4.25 seconds producing 35 TTS updates over a total scrub time of 2 minutes and 21 seconds.
• At 4x speed, there are 70 intervals of 8.5 seconds producing 17 TTS updates over a total scrub time of 1 minute and 10 seconds.
• At 8x speed, there are 35 intervals of 17 seconds production 8 TTS updates over a total scrub time of 35 seconds.

If you compare that with a 2-hour video, you’ll notice that the intervals change giving the user finer control over the scrub:

• At 2x speed, there are 226 intervals of 31.74 seconds producing 56 TTS updates over a total scrub time of 3 minutes and 46 seconds.
• At 4x speed, there are 113 intervals of 63.5 seconds producing 28 TTS updates over a total scrub time of 1 minute and 53 seconds.
• At 8x speed, there are 35 intervals of 17 seconds production 8 TTS updates over a total scrub time of 35 seconds.

For a 4-hour video:

• At 2x speed, there are 233 intervals of 61.75 seconds producing 58 TTS updates over a total scrub time of 3 minutes and 53 seconds.
• At 4x speed, there are 116 intervals of 123.5 seconds producing 29 TTS updates over a total scrub time of 1 minute and 53 seconds.
• At 8x speed, there are 58 intervals of 247 seconds producing 14 TTS updates over a total scrub time of 48 seconds.

Enhancing the Scrubbing Experience for Text-to-Speech Users

A critical component of our solution is optimizing the scrubbing experience for TTS users. By implementing TTS updates every 4 seconds, users receive clear, timely information on their position within the video. This feedback loop ensures they remain aware of their location in the video without being overwhelmed by constant updates.

Why These Changes Matter

These improvements aim to make video content more accessible for users with motor impairments while also enhancing usability for those relying on TTS. With our accessible video scrubbing controls, traversing through video is smoother, more intuitive, and accessible.

By providing flexible, easy-to-use player controls and ensuring compatibility across various remote types, we’re paving the way for a more inclusive video experience on Connected TV platforms.

Join VideoA11y

At VideoA11y, we are passionate about driving accessibility in the video entertainment industry, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the content they love. If you’re as committed to inclusivity as we are, we invite you to join us in creating accessible solutions for video platforms.

The post Accessible Video Scrubbing Controls for Connected TV appeared first on VideoA11y.

The Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act of 2023 (CVTA) is a landmark legislative proposal that builds on the earlier 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA), addressing critical gaps left by the rapid evolution of digital technology. It proposes new standards for video accessibility, communication platforms, and video playback devices, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to these tools.

At VideoA11y, we appreciate the care taken for this legislative proposal and are excited to support the video accessibility aspects of the document. Here’s a brief summary of the key video accessibility considerations within the CVTA, highlighting why these updates are so important. Check out the conclusion below for our complete thoughts. If you have some extra time, we would encourage you to read the original bill and reach out to Senator Markey to show your support.

CVTA Audio Description (AD) Enhancements

One of the most significant areas addressed in the CVTA is Audio Description (AD). Under the act, all video content—whether broadcast on linear television or streaming platforms—must include comprehensive audio descriptions. These AD features should:

• Be properly labeled and searchable, ensuring easy discovery by users.
• Include an audible tone when viewing content with AD available.
• Feature isolated audio tracks for better control of AD playback.
• Ensure that producers provide contact information for users to report any issues.

In addition to discoverability, AD must:

• Convey key visual elements clearly, such as actions, facial expressions, and scene changes.
• Synchronize properly with the main audio track to prevent mismatched timing.
• Be voiced either by a suitable synthetic or human narrator, ensuring clarity and appropriateness.

For more about how AD enhances accessibility, check out the American Council of the Blind.

Standardization of Closed Captioning (CC) and Audio Description

The CVTA proposes an advisory committee that will define metrics to measure the accuracy, synchronicity, completeness, and placement of both Closed Captioning (CC) and Audio Description (AD). This creates a consistent user experience for people with disabilities, whether they are watching live, near-live, or pre-recorded content. Different requirements will be established for each type of content to ensure high-quality delivery.

To learn more about the importance of quality captioning, visit the Hearing Loss Association of America.

ASL Translation Standards

The CVTA also introduces viewing standards for American Sign Language (ASL) translation where provided, though it doesn’t mandate the inclusion of ASL. When platforms include ASL, these standards will establish consistency and accessibility for users.

To understand more about the importance of ASL in media, you can learn about its impact from the National Association of the Deaf.

Video Playback Devices and Accessibility Customization

The act specifies that video playback devices, such as set-top boxes (STBs) and over-the-top (OTT) devices, must offer customizable options for accessibility features like CC and AD:

• Devices must not embed CC or AD directly into the programming but allow users to toggle and customize these features.
• They should also offer options to toggle emergency alerts, ensuring accessibility during critical situations.

Dedicated Accessibility Controls on Physical and Virtual Remotes

The CVTA mandates that physical remotes must include dedicated buttons for toggling CC and AD features. These buttons need to be tactile, labeled clearly, and appropriately sized. Similarly, virtual remotes or control interfaces must include a prominent and accessible toggle button, key, or icon for these accessibility features.

Consistent Accessibility Settings Across Platforms

A crucial part of the CVTA is its requirement for consistent accessibility settings across apps and devices. Users must be able to adjust CC and AD settings from an overlay interface without leaving their content. These settings must remain consistent across apps, reboots, and device resets, only resetting after a factory reboot.

This standard is aimed at improving usability for users who frequently switch between apps or devices. For further insights into this concept, check out VideoA11y’s Video Accessibility Standards.

Support for Assistive Technologies

Video playback devices must also natively support assistive technologies like refreshable braille displays, sip/puff devices, and hearing aids. This is crucial for providing people with a wide range of disabilities full interaction with video content.

Onboarding and Setup Integration

Finally, the CVTA mandates that video playback devices include options for CC and AD during the initial onboarding and setup process or after a factory reset. This ensures that users are immediately aware of the accessibility features available on their device.

VideoA11y’s Conclusion on the CTVA

The CVTA of 2023 marks a significant step forward in ensuring that video content and devices are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. By creating clear standards for Audio Description, Closed Captioning, and other essential accessibility features, the act makes certain that more users can engage with entertainment equally. For video accessibility professionals, the CVTA underscores the growing importance of creating inclusive experiences across platforms.

However, the reality is that the CVTA remains a proposal, and it’s unlikely that every provision will make it into law. Even if fully enacted, there are still vital aspects of our Video Accessibility Standards not addressed by this legislation. Accessibility isn’t just for people who are deaf or blind; it encompasses a broader spectrum, including those with motor and cognitive disabilities. While government regulations play a critical role in setting the baseline, they can only go so far. That’s why it’s essential for independent organizations to take the lead in driving innovation, collaborating with the community, and rapidly advancing the adoption of standards that make entertainment truly accessible for all.

At VideoA11y, we are committed to pushing these boundaries and setting new benchmarks that go beyond compliance. We invite developers, industry leaders, and advocates to join us in our mission to create inclusive video experiences for everyone. Together, we can shape the future of accessible entertainment. Get involved with VideoA11y today and help make a significant impact in entertainment accessibility!

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