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 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.