audio-videolisted

# Audio/Video Accessibility Skill > **Canonical source**: `examples/AUDIO_VIDEO_ACCESSIBILITY_BEST_PRACTICES.md` in `mgifford/ACCESSIBILITY.md` > This skill is derived from that file. When in doubt, the example is authoritative. Apply these rules when implementing or reviewing any audio or video content. **Only load this skill if the project contains audio or video.** --- ## Core Mandate All users must access the full meaning of multimedia through alternative formats and accessible controls — including people who are Deaf/hard of hearing, blind/low vision, DeafBlind, or have cognitive or motor disabilities. --- ## Severity Scale (this skill) | Level | Meaning | | --- | --- | | **Critical** | Media content completely inaccessible to a disability group | | **Serious** | Access significantly impaired; workaround unreasonable to expect | | **Moderate** | Access degraded but partially available | | **Minor** | Best-practice gap; marginal impact on access | --- ## Critical: Never Autoplay Audio Never use `autoplay` on `<video>` or `<audio>` that plays sound. **Autoplaying audio that cannot be immediately stopped is Critical** (WCAG 1.4.2, Level A) — it interferes directly with screen readers, which use audio as their primary output channel. It can also cause severe distress for users with sensory processing conditions. ```html <!-- Never do this --> <video src="intro.mp4" autoplay></video> <audio src="ambient.mp3" autoplay></audio> <!-- If motion/visual autoplay is req