It’s time to talk about audits
Hey everyone, Michelle from the Government Video Podcast here. In this week's episode, we talk about something that is not the most exciting point of discussion, but it is crucial for anyone in the municipal communications sphere: audits. ADA web content accessibility requirements (WCAG) are getting more specific as automated tools for services like closed captioning and transcription become available.
To talk about this, I’m joined this week on the pod by a great friend and a veteran in the local media field, Daniell Krawczyk. Krawczyk is founder and CEO of Municipal Captioning. He has tailor-made video distribution and content accessibility solutions in cities all over the country for over two decades.
What is the accessibility audit standard?
Admittedly, for many, even the utterance of the word 'audit' makes the chest tighten up a bit. Yes, we're talking about those comprehensive checks that ensure your video content is not just up to par for consumer tastes, but also compliant with the latest ADA regulations. This includes making sure all your streams, social media, and other channels are properly captioned to fend off any potential complaints.
Waiting until a complaint or lawsuit lands on your desk is no longer viable. We get into the real-world implications of some of the latest rulings, citing examples where organizations were caught off guard by audits and legal actions stemming from oversights that seemed minor at the time. Krawczyk and I also get into the details of the proactive measures organizations can take to avoid cumbersome legal battles, such as how often stations should budget for the cost of an accessibility audit or Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT).
How often should you audit your media libraries and where should you document it?
In our discussion, Krawczyk also delves into the pivotal areas of archiving and budgeting for audits—topics that any organization must prioritize to stay WCAG-compliant. We talk about the emerging requirements for social media archiving, a practice that, while not new, has become increasingly significant in maintaining legal compliance. Krawczyk shares how municipalities can navigate these waters, from employing dedicated services to integrating in-house solutions that streamline the archiving process.
And of course, if you want to conduct regular audits, there will be budget implications. With regulatory landscapes evolving and compliance deadlines tightening, understanding how often to conduct audits and allocate resources effectively becomes paramount. Krawczyk offers actionable advice on setting up a budgeting plan that accommodates regular audits without straining your organization’s finances.
A New Hope: New tools to automate your web content accessibility
But it’s not all about the hurdles. We also explore practical strategies for managing these challenges without overwhelming your existing resources and detail smart solutions to integrate that handle compliance without adding undue strain on your team.
For anyone leading a team, managing communications, or involved in municipal media, this conversation is a goldmine of strategies and insights. So, tune in to this episode of the Government Video Podcast if you want to learn how to navigate the complex regulations surrounding video content and ensure your communications are not only effective but also fully compliant. Your future self might just thank you for it!
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