Beyond the mandates: The far‐reaching benefits of multimedia accessibility.

Key points Convergence of international standards has made requirements for accessible multimedia content clearer. Legal and commercial pressure for accessible content is mounting for higher education institutions (HEIs) and publishers as highlighted by recent high‐profile settlements in North America. Accessibility requirements for multimedia can be met by setting realistic, progressive goals and focusing resources on key content. Multimedia accessibility benefits range from wider audiences and increased user engagement to greater discoverability and improved search engine optimization. Vendors are ramping up their offerings for accessible production, and costs are going down. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]