YouTube welcomes feedback from all users, including feedback related to accessibility, disability support, and this accessibility plan itself.
YouTube is committed to making its platform accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities, by identifying, removing, and preventing barriers across its services, policies, and practices in accordance with the Accessible Canada Act (ACA).
Core Accessibility Principles
YouTube’s accessibility strategy is based on key ACA principles:
1. Dignity
Users with disabilities should be able to access YouTube independently and respectfully through features like:
- Customizable captions
- Screen reader compatibility
- Accessible feedback channels
2. Equal Opportunity
YouTube strives to ensure that users with disabilities have equal opportunities to:
- Watch content
- Create content
- Share experiences
- Participate in the platform’s community
3. Barrier-Free Access
YouTube works to eliminate technical, content, and usability barriers so disabilities do not limit full participation.
4. Meaningful Choice
Users can customize how they interact with content through:
- Playback speed controls
- Caption customization
- Keyboard shortcuts
- Assistive technology compatibility
5. Inclusive Design
YouTube considers diverse disabilities and intersectional barriers when designing products and services.
6. Disability Involvement
People with disabilities are actively involved through:
- User research
- Accessibility testing
- Feedback channels
- Partnerships with advocacy organizations
7. Highest Accessibility Standards
YouTube aims to exceed minimum legal requirements through continuous innovation and improvement.
Consultation with People with Disabilities
YouTube gathers accessibility input through:
- Accessibility user research programs
- Disability advocacy partnerships
- Dedicated support channels
- In-app issue reporting
- Internal employee disability groups
- Beta testing with disabled users
These consultations help guide ongoing accessibility improvements.
Feedback and Support Options
Users can provide accessibility feedback through:
- Google Disability Support Team
- Chat
- Phone
- Be My Eyes
- ASL support channels
Response Commitment:
- Feedback responses available within 10 business days if requested
- Alternative accessible formats available upon request
Current Accessibility Features
Viewer Accessibility
YouTube currently offers:
- Closed captions and subtitles
- Auto-generated captions
- Caption customization
- Audio descriptions
- Keyboard navigation
- Screen reader compatibility
- Playback speed adjustments
- Interactive transcripts
- Dark mode
- Accessibility settings
Creator Accessibility Tools
Creators are supported through:
- Captioning tools
- Subtitle tools
- Audio description support
- Multi-audio track features
- Accessibility education resources
Barrier Identification and Prevention
YouTube continuously improves accessibility through:
Identifying Barriers
- User feedback analysis
- Accessibility research
- Disability consultations
- Internal testing
- Monitoring new technologies
Removing and Preventing Barriers
- Accessibility-first design processes
- Product testing and sign-offs
- Developer training
- Accessible documentation
- AI enhancements for captions and audio descriptions
- Ongoing updates and maintenance
Communication Accessibility
YouTube provides public information in accessible formats upon request, including:
- Alternative communication supports
- Accessible public materials
- Free and timely access to requested formats
Public Notification
YouTube informs users that accessible formats and communication supports are available through official accessibility resources.
Overall Commitment
YouTube’s accessibility plan emphasizes:
- Inclusion
- Equal participation
- Continuous accessibility improvements
- Collaboration with disability communities
- Compliance with Canadian accessibility laws
The platform views accessibility as a core part of creating a better experience for all users.
