The Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act of 2026 expands accessibility requirements across video content and communications services to better serve people with disabilities. The bill requires the FCC to establish new rules within 12 months to 3 years mandating closed captions in English and Spanish on online videos, accessibility features in video conferencing platforms, and real-time sign language customer service through video calling for companies that offer customer assistance. Video conferencing providers and manufacturers must build in or ensure compatibility with accessibility tools such as voice recognition, screen readers, and braille displays at no additional cost to consumers, while a new advisory committee will develop implementation standards and quality metrics within 180 days of the law's enactment. Companies can request exemptions from these requirements if compliance would be economically burdensome, which the FCC will evaluate based on compliance costs, operational impacts, provider resources, and business type. Additionally, the FCC must submit detailed reports to Congress every three years on accessibility complaints and enforcement actions to track progress in making communications technology accessible to people with disabilities.
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