CRTC Enhances Accessibility for Canadians with Hearing Disabilities
CRTC improves accessibility of programming for Canadians who are Deaf, DeafBlind or hard of hearing
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The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is implementing changes to improve accessibility for Canadians who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing. New regulations will ensure that online programming includes closed captioning, enhancing access to content across platforms over the next five years.
- 01The CRTC's decision mandates closed captioning for new original online programs within one year.
- 02Programs previously captioned on TV will also have captions when streamed online.
- 03The phased approach aims to ensure high-quality captions while allowing streaming services time to adapt.
- 04This initiative aligns with the Accessible Canada Act and the government's policy direction for barrier-free programming.
- 05Vicky Eatrides, CRTC Chairperson, emphasized the importance of accessibility in broadcasting.
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The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is enhancing accessibility for Canadians who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing by implementing new regulations that require closed captioning for online programming. This initiative is part of the CRTC's efforts to modernize Canada's broadcasting framework in alignment with the Broadcasting Act. Following public consultations, the CRTC decided that within one year, all new original programs on online streaming services must include captions, whether live or pre-recorded. Existing shows that have captions on television will also carry them online. Over the next five years, the availability of captions will expand to all online programming, ensuring that Canadians have consistent access to quality captions. This decision reflects the CRTC's commitment to making broadcasting accessible and is supported by the principles outlined in the Accessible Canada Act. Vicky Eatrides, CRTC Chairperson, highlighted that this move strengthens access to content for individuals with hearing disabilities across all platforms.
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The CRTC's decision will significantly improve access to media content for Canadians with hearing disabilities, ensuring they can enjoy programming without barriers.
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