--- title: How to Make Web Content More Accessible for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing description: Discover ways to make your website, videos, social media, and live events accessible to the Deaf and hard of hearing (HOH) community. image: https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/UsableNet%20feature%20image.png --- - [skip to menu](https://blog.usablenet.com/how-to-make-web-content-more-accessible-for-the-deaf-hard-of-hearing#nav) - [skip to content](https://blog.usablenet.com/how-to-make-web-content-more-accessible-for-the-deaf-hard-of-hearing#main-content) - [skip to footer](https://blog.usablenet.com/how-to-make-web-content-more-accessible-for-the-deaf-hard-of-hearing#footer) Test the accessibility of your website for free! Try UsableNet AQA. [Test now!](https://usablenet.com/automated-accessibility-testing-tool) Close [![UsableNet home](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/logo.png?width=429&height=62&name=logo.png)](https://usablenet.com/) - [Solutions](https://usablenet.com) ## Solutions [UsableNet Assistive](https://usablenet.com/technology/assistive-technology-services) A managed service combining experts, technology and legal support to make your website accessible [UsableNet AQA](https://usablenet.com/technology/aqa) Accessibility management and testing software for designers, developers, and testers [Accessibility Audits & Support Services](https://usablenet.com/services) Expert guidance and training to empower your team to create accessible digital experiences Explore which of our digital accessibility solutions is right for you [Watch a Demo](https://info.usablenet.com/choose-a-demo?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1737658630173.1737669055746.199&__hssc=181257784.7.1737669055746&__hsfp=3011104808) - [Resources](https://usablenet.com/resources) ## Resources - [E-books & Guides](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=E-books%20and%20Guides) - [Case Studies](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Case%20Studies) - [Reports](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Reports) - [Webinars](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Webinars) - [Tools](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Tools) - [All Resources](https://usablenet.com/resources) ## Essential Resources ![](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/resources-1.png?width=100&height=100&name=resources-1.png) [ADA accessibility lawsuit tracker](https://info.usablenet.com/ada-website-compliance-lawsuit-tracker) ![](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/resources-2.png?width=100&height=100&name=resources-2.png) [Checklist: how to achieve and maintain digital accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/digital-website-accessibility-checklist) ![](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/resources-3.png?width=100&height=100&name=resources-3.png) [Which remediation approach is right for me?](https://info.usablenet.com/website-accessibility-remediation-quiz) ![](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ADA%20Primer.png?width=100&height=100&name=ADA%20Primer.png) [A Primer on ADA and Digital Accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/a-primer-on-ada-and-digital-accessibility) The EAA is in Effect — Is Your Website Compliant? [Get Help with EN 301 549 Compliance](https://info.usablenet.com/eaa-en-301-549-compliance) - [Who We Serve](https://usablenet.com/strategic-relationships) ## Industry [E-commerce and Consumer Goods](https://info.usablenet.com/e-commerce-accessibility-solutions) [Food Service and Hospitality](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-food-service-hospitality) [Banking and Financial Services](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-financial-services) [Healthcare](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-healthcare) [Technology and Business Services](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-technology-and-business-services) [Public Sector and Education](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-public-sector-and-education) ## Compliance [Canadian Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-canada) [European Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/eaa-en-301-549-compliance) [Other International Accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-international) [United States Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-united-states) 2026 Midyear report on digital accessibility lawsuits in the US [Download Now](https://info.usablenet.com/2026-midyear-report) - [Pricing](https://usablenet.com/pricing) - [Blog](https://blog.usablenet.com/) - [About Us](https://usablenet.com/about-us) [Get a Demo](https://info.usablenet.com/contact) Close Open Menu - Solutions ## Solutions [UsableNet Assistive](https://usablenet.com/technology/assistive-technology-services) A managed service combining experts, technology and legal support to make your website accessible [UsableNet AQA](https://usablenet.com/technology/aqa) Accessibility management and testing software for designers, developers, and testers [Accessibility Audits & Support Services](https://usablenet.com/services) Expert guidance and training to empower your team to create accessible digital experiences Which accessibility remediation approach is right for me? [Take our Quiz](https://info.usablenet.com/website-accessibility-remediation-quiz) - Resources ## Resources [E-books & Guides](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=E-books%20and%20Guides) [Case Studies](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Case%20Studies) [Reports](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Reports) [Webinars](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Webinars) [Tools](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Tools) [All Resources](https://usablenet.com/resources) ## Essential Resources [ADA accessibility lawsuit tracker](https://info.usablenet.com/ada-website-compliance-lawsuit-tracker?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) [Checklist: how to achieve and maintain digital accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/digital-website-accessibility-checklist?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) [Which remediation approach is right for me?](https://info.usablenet.com/website-accessibility-remediation-quiz?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) [A Primer on ADA and Digital Accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/a-primer-on-ada-and-digital-accessibility?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) The EAA is in Effect — Is Your Website Compliant? [Get Help with EN 301 549 Compliance](https://info.usablenet.com/eaa-en-301-549-compliance?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) - Who We Serve ## Industry [E-commerce and Consumer Goods](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-e-commerce-consumer-goods) [Food Service and Hospitality](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-food-service-hospitality) [Banking and Financial Services](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-financial-services) [Healthcare](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-healthcare) [Technology and Business Services](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-technology-and-business-services) [Public Sector and Education](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-public-sector-and-education) ## Compliance [Canadian Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-canada) [European Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-europe) [Other International Accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-international) [United States Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-united-states) 2026 Midyear report on digital accessibility lawsuits in the US [Download Now](https://info.usablenet.com/2026-midyear-report) - [Pricing](https://usablenet.com/pricing) - [Blog](https://blog.usablenet.com/) - [About Us](https://usablenet.com/about-us) [Get a Demo](https://info.usablenet.com/contact) # How to Make Web Content More Accessible for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing **By** [3Play Media](https://blog.usablenet.com/author/3play-media) on Oct 4, 2022 **Topics:** [Web Accessibility](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/web-accessibility), [Video Accessibility](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/video-accessibility) 0 Comments - - - ![Decorative illustration ](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/UsableNet%20feature%20image.png) *Editor's Note: Thanks to our friends at 3Play Media for sharing how to make your content accessible for people with auditory improvements as we close out September. While Deaf Awareness month ends in September, the practical advice in this blog can help you create better, accessible content throughout the year. * September is Deaf Awareness Month, and despite the advances in access we’ve seen in recent years, many people with auditory impairments *still* can’t properly interact with media content online due to a lack of accessibility.   Services like closed captioning are one of the most well-known accommodations for the deaf and/or HOH, but they often lack the necessary level of detail or are sometimes entirely unavailable in modern formats, like social media or live events.  At 3Play Media, we’re experts in making content accessible to all – and we’re happy to share what we know! In this blog, let’s review the basics of digital accessibility for those with auditory impairments, from the content production process all the way through posting and presenting live. ## **Content Production** We always say that it’s easier to bake accessibility in from the beginning than it is to retroactively implement a solution, but many organizations face a lack of resources, staff, or strategy to feasibly support this. Working with an accessibility partner is undoubtedly the easiest way to make sure your content is accessible. With the right accessibility services provider, you can use automated workflows that seamlessly integrate the services you need directly into your existing production process.  If budget is the primary constraint within your organization, it’s possible to write and export your own caption files using programs natively included on Mac and PC computers (called TextEdit and Notepad, respectively). Although it’s a more labor-intensive production method, creating DIY captions isn’t as complicated as you might think! To learn more, check out [**3Play’s guide to creating SRT files**](https://www.3playmedia.com/blog/create-srt-file/). For those looking to cut out a few steps, YouTube also offers a tool that automatically generates captions and their associated timecodes. However, output accuracy rates are often not sufficient enough to be considered ADA compliant when using automatic solutions without the involvement of a human editor. While YouTube’s tool can greatly reduce the amount of time and effort required from an inexperienced captioner, automatic solutions should *never* be independently relied upon.  ## **Social Media** Nowadays, social media is practically inescapable. While some popularly used platforms (like YouTube) have evolved to include native captioning tools and other accessibility services, others still leave much to be desired. For example, Instagram recently expanded their captioning feature to include stories, reels, *and* feed posts – except the captions are auto-generated, and do not currently support user revision. By comparison, TikTok does allow users to edit their auto-generated captions. While this is preferable for individual, user-created content, the capability has not been extended to popular, trending sounds (most of which contain song lyrics or audio clips from TV/film).  To work around platform inaccessibility, [**open captions**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9lfT9nsnQ0&t=2s) are our favorite work around. By definition, open captions are written directly on the video content itself and therefore can’t be toggled on/off by the viewer. Using this method, content creators can circumvent their desired platforms not supporting captions natively.  ## **Live events** Within the past few years, virtual live events have exploded in popularity. Originally the result of necessity, the format has stuck around as a matter of convenience.  Platforms like Zoom advanced quickly to meet demand, making [**auto-generated captions available to all users**](https://blog.zoom.us/zoom-auto-generated-captions/) almost a year ago. While this was a big step for expanding accessibility, you can probably see where we’re going with this… For people with auditory impairments, auto-generated captions are not enough to constitute an accessible accommodation. To ensure top-quality captioning at your event, we recommend implementing a live professional solution. This process involves highly skilled human captioners who are writing captions in real time.  In addition to real-time captions, sign language interpretation could also benefit your deaf or HOH audience members. However, it’s important to note that sign language is not universal! There are [**over 300 signed languages in use today**](https://www.un.org/en/observances/sign-languages-day), but even this doesn’t mean that every person with auditory impairments can speak or understand sign language. If you’re not sure where to start or which accommodations would be beneficial at your next event, send out a form polling registrants! Don’t be afraid to ask people what they need – after all, each individual is the expert in what works best for them.  Whether virtual or in-person, some popularly requested event accommodations include: - Assistive listening devices - Closed captioning - Reserved front-row seat - Large print - Advance copy of slides to be presented - Wheelchair access - Dietary restrictions - Other: leave a blank line in case of a write-in request [To view more educational resources from 3Play Media visit their site here.](https://www.3playmedia.com/learn/) If you are in the process of planning your accessibility initiative, we've created an easy guide that breaks it down into phases for you. [Download our Web Accessibility Checklist.](https://info.usablenet.com/web-accessibility-your-roadmap) [![ready to start your accessibility journey with illustration of people using website pages](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3280432/9012c9d4-715c-459b-a4da-b0a22e2d3924.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3280432/9012c9d4-715c-459b-a4da-b0a22e2d3924) ### [3Play Media](https://blog.usablenet.com/author/3play-media) 3Play Media is committed to making web video widely accessible, using technology and human expertise to deliver high-quality video accessibility services at a fair cost and unlimited scale. - - - - ### Related posts ![Hotel Website Accessibility: Check-in, Messaging, and In-Stay Barriers for Blind Guests](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Beachside-min.jpg) [Hotel Website Accessibility: Check-in, Messaging, and In-Stay Barriers for Blind Guests](https://blog.usablenet.com/hotel-website-accessibility-check-in-and-in-stay-barriers-for-blind-guests) Jul 15, 2026 ![Hotel Website Accessibility: Browsing Room Options](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Beachside-min.jpg) [Hotel Website Accessibility: Browsing Room Options](https://blog.usablenet.com/hotel-website-accessibility-browsing-room-options) Jul 14, 2026 ![Inside the 2026 Midyear Numbers: The ADA continues to be the ONLY true enforcement around](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Registration%20-%20Midyear%20Report.png) [Inside the 2026 Midyear Numbers: The ADA continues to be the ONLY true enforcement around](https://blog.usablenet.com/inside-the-2026-midyear-numbers-where-digital-accessibility-litigation-is-going) Jul 8, 2026 ![The Low-Cost Moves That Strengthen an ADA Website Defense](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/The%20Low-Cost%20Moves%20That%20Strengthen%20an%20ADA%20Website%20Defense.png) [The Low-Cost Moves That Strengthen an ADA Website Defense](https://blog.usablenet.com/the-low-cost-moves-that-strengthen-an-ada-website-defense) Jun 16, 2026 ### Sign Up for the UsableNet Blog ### Recent Posts ![feature image](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Beachside-min.jpg) [Hotel Website Accessibility: Check-in, Messaging, and In-Stay Barriers for Blind Guests](https://blog.usablenet.com/hotel-website-accessibility-check-in-and-in-stay-barriers-for-blind-guests) Jul 15, 2026 ![feature image](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Beachside-min.jpg) [Hotel Website Accessibility: Browsing Room Options](https://blog.usablenet.com/hotel-website-accessibility-browsing-room-options) Jul 14, 2026 ![feature image](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Registration%20-%20Midyear%20Report.png) [Inside the 2026 Midyear Numbers: The ADA continues to be the ONLY true enforcement around](https://blog.usablenet.com/inside-the-2026-midyear-numbers-where-digital-accessibility-litigation-is-going) Jul 8, 2026 ### Posts by Topic - [Web Accessibility (311)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/web-accessibility) - [User Experience (113)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/user-experience) - [ADA Lawsuits (45)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/ada-lawsuits) - [ADA Website Compliance (38)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/ada-website-compliance) - [European Accessibility Act (34)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/european-accessibility-act) - [Mobile Web (30)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/mobile-web) - [Mobile Apps (27)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/mobile-apps) - [Retail (27)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/retail) ![](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Consultation%20Icon.svg) Need to improve digital usability, accessibility or performance? We can help. [Partner with us. Get in touch..](https://usablenet.com/getintouch?hsCtaTracking=34f54ed4-8696-43c9-b740-a3982b4b5d91%7Cf4246c48-bf25-487f-9058-34abb838058e) ## Page Footer ### Have a question? **Contact Us** [Book a Consultation](https://calendly.com/usablenet-accessibility/introduction?month=2025-02) [Watch a Demo](https://info.usablenet.com/choose-a-demo) ### Solutions - [UsableNet Assistive](https://usablenet.com/technology/assistive-technology-services) - [UsableNet AQA](https://usablenet.com/technology/aqa) - [Accessibility Audit & Support Services](https://usablenet.com/services) - [Pricing and Plans](https://usablenet.com/pricing) ### Resource Library - [Blog](https://blog.usablenet.com/) - [E-Books](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=E-books%20and%20Guides) - [Case Studies](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Case%20Studies) - [Reports](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Reports) - [Test your website for accessibility](https://usablenet.com/automated-accessibility-testing-tool) - [ADA Monthly Lawsuit Tracker](https://info.usablenet.com/ada-website-compliance-lawsuit-tracker) - [Webinars](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Webinars) - [All Resources](https://usablenet.com/resources?all=true) ### Who We Serve - [Public Sector and Education](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-public-sector-and-education) - [Banking and Financial Services](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-financial-services) - [E-commerce and Consumer Goods](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-e-commerce-consumer-goods) - [Food Service and Hospitality](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-food-service-hospitality) - [Healthcare](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-healthcare) - [Technology and Business Services](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-technology-and-business-services) ### Compliance - [European Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-europe) - [United States Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-united-states) ### Company - [About Us](https://usablenet.com/about-us) - [LLM Resources](https://usablenet.com/for-ai-assistants) [Accessibility Support](https://blog.usablenet.com/support)| [Privacy Policy](https://blog.usablenet.com/privacy)| [Accessibility Statement](https://blog.usablenet.com/accessibility-statement)| [Diversity and Inclusion Statement](https://blog.usablenet.com/diversity-and-inclusion)| Accessibility Status | [Technology Patents](https://blog.usablenet.com/technology/patent) ## **Sign Up** for the **UsableNet Blog** Join our mailing list to receive email notifications when we publish a new blog, infographic, whitepaper or newsletter. Stay up-to-date on our insights, the latest tech news and digital trends. ![International Association of Accessibility Professionals logo](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/IAAP-logo.png?width=150&height=81&name=IAAP-logo.png) © 2026 UsableNet Inc. ![International Association of Accessibility Professionals logo](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/IAAP-logo.png?width=150&height=81&name=IAAP-logo.png) © 2026 UsableNet Inc. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "3Play Media", "url" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/author/3play-media" }, "dateModified" : "2022-10-04T14:55:00.357Z", "datePublished" : "2022-10-04T14:55:00.000Z", "headline" : "How to Make Web Content More Accessible for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing", "image" : [ "https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/UsableNet%20feature%20image.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/how-to-make-web-content-more-accessible-for-the-deaf-hard-of-hearing", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/UsableNet%20Logo_Black.png" }, "name" : "UsableNet Inc." } } ```