accessibility glossary

CVAA (21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act, US)

A 2010 US law requiring modern communications technology, including smartphones, video players, and online video with captions from TV, to be accessible to people with disabilities.

The 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act updates earlier US telecommunications accessibility law for digital-era technology: smartphones, web browsers built into consumer devices, video conferencing software, and streaming video. It requires captions carried on television programming to also appear when that same content is distributed online.

The CVAA is enforced by the Federal Communications Commission and applies most directly to hardware and software manufacturers and video programming distributors, making it a common reference point in the streaming, telecom, and consumer electronics sectors specifically.

Need help with ADA & Section 508 Website Accessibility Audit Services? See how halfAccessible can help.

ADA & Section 508 Website Accessibility Audit Services