Continual Engine Logo

How to Make Video and Audio Content ADA Title II Compliant?

ADA Title II Audio and Video
Digital content today goes far beyond text. Government websites now use videos, podcasts, recordings, and interactive media to share important information with the public. If this content is not accessible, many users with disabilities may struggle to understand or navigate it. In this blog, we will look at the multimedia accessibility requirements under ADA Title II and what organizations need to do to comply.

What is Multimedia Accessibility?

Multimedia accessibility refers to the practice of designing audio, video, and interactive digital content so that it can be used by everyone, including people with hearing, vision, or cognitive disabilities.
For example, a video should include captions so someone who cannot hear the audio can still follow the message. An audio podcast should provide a written transcript for readers who prefer text or rely on screen readers. Similarly, videos with important visual information may require audio descriptions so people with visual impairments understand what is happening on screen.
When these practices are followed, multimedia content becomes inclusive. Everyone can access the same information without barriers, regardless of how they consume digital content.

What are Multimedia Accessibility Requirements Under Title II?

ADA Title II requires state and local government digital content to follow WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility standards. Below are the primary requirements.

  1. Video Accessibility

    Videos used by public agencies must include features that allow people with hearing or visual impairments to understand the content.

    • Captions (WCAG 1.2.2)

      All prerecorded videos must include synchronized captions. These captions display spoken dialogue and important sounds such as music or background noise.

    • Audio Descriptions (WCAG 1.2.5)

      If important visual information appears in the video that is not explained through dialogue, audio descriptions should be provided. These narrations describe visual actions or on-screen elements.

    • Transcripts (WCAG 1.2.1)

      A written transcript of the video should also be available. This allows users to read the entire content instead of watching the video.

  2. Audio Accessibility

    Audio-only content must include alternatives for people who cannot hear the recording.

    • Transcripts (WCAG 1.2.1)

      Podcasts, speeches, and other audio files must provide a text transcript. The transcript should capture spoken dialogue and relevant sounds so users can understand the content without listening to the recording.

  3. Images and Graphics

    Visual elements used alongside multimedia content must also be accessible.

    • Alt Text (WCAG 1.1.1)

      Images, charts, or diagrams should include descriptive alternative text. Screen readers use this description to explain the visual content to users with vision impairments.

    • Descriptive Text for Charts and Reports

      Data visualizations such as graphs or charts should include text explanations so users understand the information without relying only on visuals.

  4. Interactive Multimedia

    Interactive media such as simulations, learning modules, or embedded tools must also follow accessibility standards.

    • Keyboard Navigation (WCAG 2.1.1)

      Users should be able to navigate and operate the content using a keyboard alone without requiring a mouse.

    • ARIA Labels for Interactive Elements

      Accessible labels help screen readers identify buttons, controls, and interactive elements so users know how to interact with them.

Exceptions Under Title II

While most multimedia content must follow accessibility requirements, the rule allows a few limited exceptions.
  • Archived web content that is no longer actively used may not need updates.
  • Third-party content posted by external providers may fall outside direct control of the public entity.
  • Pre-existing social media posts created before the rule may not require modification.
Even with these exceptions, public organizations are still encouraged to make as much content accessible as possible.

Compliance Deadlines Under Title II

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has established clear timelines for when government entities must comply with WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility standards.
Entity Type Compliance Deadline
State and local governments with a population of 50,000 or more April 24, 2026
Smaller public entities and special districts April 26, 2027
These deadlines give agencies time to review existing multimedia content and update it to meet accessibility requirements.
Multimedia content plays a central role in how government organizations communicate with the public. Videos, podcasts, graphics, and interactive tools make information easier to understand, but they must remain accessible to everyone.
By following ADA Title II requirements and aligning with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards, organizations can ensure that their digital content is usable by people with different abilities. Accessible multimedia is not only a compliance requirement. It is also a step toward creating a more inclusive digital environment for all users.

How Continual Engine Can Help?

Meeting multimedia accessibility requirements can be challenging for organizations that manage large volumes of digital content. Videos, podcasts, training modules, and reports all need accessibility features such as captions, transcripts, audio descriptions, and image descriptions. Handling this manually can take significant time and resources.
Continual Engine provides technology-driven accessibility solutions that help organizations convert multimedia content into accessible formats at scale. Through a combination of AI automation and expert review, the platform can generate captions, transcripts, audio descriptions, image descriptions, and structured accessibility improvements for multimedia assets.
This approach allows public agencies, educational institutions, and content publishers to improve accessibility while maintaining compliance with WCAG standards.

Improve Accessibility Across Your Multimedia Content

Ensure your videos, audio files, and interactive media meet modern accessibility standards and remain usable for everyone, including people with disabilities.
Explore Our Video & Audio Accessibility Services

Related Posts

Do You Need Some Help? Don't Worry, We've Got You!

"*" indicates required fields

Step 1 of 3

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
What is your goal?*

Transform Documents into Accessible Formats

  • Reliable, Intuitive, Cloud-based Platform
  • Section 508, WCAG 2.2, & ADA Compliant
  • Exponential Cost Savings of up to 50%
  • Easy Inter-format Conversions

Get a Custom Quote

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Transform Documents into Accessible Formats

  • Reliable, Intuitive, Cloud-based Platform
  • Section 508, WCAG 2.2, & ADA Compliant
  • Exponential Cost Savings of up to 50%
  • Easy Inter-format Conversions

Request a Demo

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.