A new federal ADA rule now requires cities and counties across the country to make their digital content accessible. Beginning in April 2026, all public entities must add accurate captions and accessible transcripts to their online videos. The new ADA regulations require government video content to comply with ADA and meet WCAG 2.1. This is a key shift for accessibility. Those who do not comply could face enforcement actions and legal risks.
The new ADA regulations require government video content to comply with ADA and meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. This change helps make videos accessible for people with hearing or visual impairments.
What used to be a best practice is now a clear legal requirement. Now, government video content must comply with ADA by meeting WCAG 2.1, since new ADA regulations specifically require it.
Many Cities Underestimate the Scope of this Compliance
Many municipalities do not realize how big this task is. “Cities often don’t realize how much video content they already have online—or how long it takes to make it compliant,” said Benjamin K Walker, CEO of Ditto Transcripts. It’s important to remember that new ADA regulations require government video content to comply with ADA and meet WCAG 2.1 standards. These standards play a pivotal role in accessibility. “This isn’t a quick fix. It requires a structured process and a reliable partner capable of delivering accurate, court-ready transcripts at scale.”
Ditto Transcripts is a U.S.-based company with over 20 years of experience. They help public agencies with ADA-compliant transcription and captioning. This ensures government video content meets WCAG 2.1 accessibility requirements set by new ADA regulations. The company focuses on accuracy and reliability. They make sure transcripts meet both accessibility and public record standards.
Procurement can be a real challenge. For many public agencies, going over purchasing limits means starting long bid processes, which can slow down compliance.
Time is running out. Large jurisdictions must comply by April 2026, and smaller ones by April 2027. Agencies with a lot of video content may need extra time to review and update their materials. This is because new ADA regulations require government video content to comply with ADA and meet WCAG 2.1 standards.
Start now to get ahead. Acting early helps your agency meet federal requirements without problems. Waiting could lead to tight deadlines and legal issues. Clearly, new ADA regulations require government video content to comply with ADA and meet WCAG 2.1. So, taking action today can