Video calls may soon offer automatic sign language and text-to-speech for everyone

The US communications regulator wants to add new accessibility rules for video conferencing. This means video call services would need to offer features like automatic sign language interpretation and text-to-speech.

For years, people with disabilities have faced barriers using common video conferencing tools. These proposed rules aim to make video calls genuinely usable for people who are blind, have low vision, or have cognitive or mobility disabilities. It also means that services would need to integrate features like automatic sign language interpretation, which could significantly expand who can participate fully in online communication.