Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act of 2026

This legislation significantly updates the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities across a broad spectrum of communication and video technologies. It expands existing requirements for closed captioning and audio description to encompass online video programming and consumer generated media , mandating the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to revise regulations and establish quality standards for these new platforms. The bill introduces specific requirements for entities providing consumer-generated media, obliging them to offer authoring tools for captions and audio descriptions. It also mandates the provision of sign language interpretation in video programming, ensuring its visibility throughout the content. To guide these changes, the legislation establishes a Closed Captioning, Audio Description, and Sign Language Advisory Committee tasked with developing comprehensive recommendations for the FCC. Furthermore, the bill addresses video playback apparatuses , requiring that accessibility features like closed captioning and audio description are readily accessible and that devices offer prompts for setting these features upon initial use. It also emphasizes compatibility with various assistive technologies to ensure broader access for users with diverse needs. In the realm of communications services, the bill mandates accessibility features for interoperable video conferencing services , including voice recognition for individuals with speech disabilities, simplified user interfaces for cognitive disabilities, and support for visual interpretation services and screen readers. It also expands the definition of telecommunications relay services to include direct video calling services for sign language users and communication facilitators for DeafBlind individuals, ensuring equal access to emergency services and customer support. Finally, the legislation removes the "low-income" restriction for the National DeafBlind Equipment Distribution Program and increases its annual funding to $20 million, adjusted for inflation. It also requires the FCC to regularly report on the accessibility of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and virtual reality, ensuring that future innovations are designed with accessibility in mind, and expands the FCC's enforcement authority for accessibility violations.