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more than half of students are using closed captions in their educational videos at least sometimes. Although one might expect students with disabilities to report using captions at much higher rates, this study shows that students not reporting disabilities use captions almost as frequently, with more than 50 percent using them sometimes or more often;

Among those who reported using closed captions, the vast majority find the captions to be at least moderately helpful.

When asked why captions are helpful, respondents overall expressed strong agreement that captions help students focus, retain information, and overcome poor audio. Open-ended responses further illustrate that students find captions to be helpful learning aids. Captions help students with comprehension, accuracy, engagement, and the retention of information transmitted in course videos.

For now, we recommend waiting out the waves of accessibility standards implementation. Discuss implementation options with university stakeholders, but resist locking onto an approach until your institution's leadership has solidified a definite plan and enacted accountability measures. Throughout the often lengthy process of determining an accessibility action plan, your university may consider everything from requiring accurate captions for every video within the next year to encouraging best practices and collecting data on gradual standard adoption. Although it is important to hold discussions, we recommend waiting as long as necessary before locking into a specific plan; doing so avoids having to change training material and messages to faculty, such as whether accessibility implementation is "required" or "recommended."

Adopt a social justice model uniting UDL and accessibility with other student success initiatives. Create a culture that supports students with diverse learning and life needs. A social justice model supports equal opportunity for all students, especially historically disadvantaged groups. Although institutions must comply with ADA and Section 508, accessibility can go beyond the law to embrace critical values and beliefs about diversity and social justice.

ongoing progress that demonstrates a commitment to continual improvement.