The NAD urges all government agencies to ensure that their websites are accessible by people who are deaf or hard of hearing. When audio or audiovisual material on a government website is not accessible, individuals may file a complaint against that public entity.
Federal agencies. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal agencies to make their websites accessible to people with disabilities. As a result of this law, federal agencies are required to make audio or audiovisual material on their websites accessible, usually by captioning.
State and local governments. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires state and local governments to make reasonable modifications to make their activities, services, and programs accessible by people with disabilities. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act imposes a similar requirement on state and local governments that receive federal funding. These laws require state and local governments to make audio or audiovisual material on their websites accessible, usually by captioning, if the cost is not prohibitive.