When using video or multimedia, both its content and functionality must be vetted
for accessibility.
Video Description
Video description is a method of ensuring the accessibility of visual multimedia content
for individuals with visual impairments.
Video description can be short, verbal descriptions dubbed over the original audio
content or descriptive text added to a transcript. Video description provides access
to inaudible, visual-specific content such as the setting, on-screen action, facial
expressions, displayed charts or diagrams, and other on-screen text. |
Transcripts or synchronized captions
Transcripts or synchronized captions can be necessary to make audio content accessible.
For individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, video captions can provide access
multimedia content via accurate, well-synchronized text that conveys audio action.
Such actions include speaking, identification of speaker changes, sound effects, and
music, among others. When enabled in a media player, the captions should appear in
real time alongside your media.
Transcripts are textual, word-for-word versions of the audio content that can be more
accessible for certain individuals. Transcripts are typically offered for audio files
and should be offered in addition to captions for video content. Text documents are
the preferred file format for transcripts. |
Guidelines
The Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP) has developed a guide called the
Captioning key to help people learn methods for creating suitable captions for the
deaf and hard of hearing. |
Video player accessibility
When hosting video and audio online, the media player and its interface should be
accessible. Consider these questions for assessing accessibility:Does the media player support the use of captions, transcripts, and video description?
Are the controls operable using only the keyboard instead of the mouse?
Is the media player compatible with assistive technology, such as screen-reading software
or voice-recognition software? |
Transcripts or Synchronized Captions
Transcripts or synchronized captions can be necessary to make audio content accessible.
For individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, video captions can provide access
multimedia content via accurate, well-synchronized text that conveys audio action.
Such actions include speaking, identification of speaker changes, sound effects, and
music, among others. When enabled in a media player, the captions should appear in
real time alongside your media.
Transcripts are textual, word-for-word versions of the audio content that can be more
accessible for certain individuals. Transcripts are typically offered for audio files
and should be offered in addition to captions for video content. Text documents are
the preferred file format for transcripts.
Guidelines
The Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP) has developed a guide called the
Captioning key to help people learn methods for creating suitable captions for the
deaf and hard of hearing.
Video Player Accessibility
When hosting video and audio online, the media player and its interface should be
accessible. Consider these questions for assessing accessibility:
- Does the media player support the use of captions, transcripts, and video description?
- Are the controls operable using only the keyboard instead of the mouse?
- Is the media player compatible with assistive technology, such as screen-reading software
or voice-recognition software?
