1.2.1: Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded)

Audio-only (Prerecorded)

A text transcript must be provided for prerecorded audio content. This transcript should include a description of all important sound cues such as background noises or tones that convey information.

The transcript should be easily accessible to users, ideally located near the audio content or linked directly from the page where the audio is found.

Example:

For a podcast episode, provide a text transcript that includes all spoken words and important sound effects. For example, "Interview with Jane Doe, discussing her new book. Background music: soft jazz. Sound of pages turning."

Implementation Tips:

• Time Stamps: Use time stamps in transcripts to indicate when key sounds occur, helping users follow along more easily.
• Capture Tone: Ensure the transcript captures the tone and emotion conveyed through speech, as these are crucial for understanding the context.
• Download Option: Provide a download option for the transcript to allow offline access.
• Clear Layout: Format transcripts with clear headings, speaker labels, and paragraph breaks to enhance readability.

Video-only (Prerecorded)

For prerecorded video-only content, an alternative must be provided that presents equivalent information for those who cannot see it. This can take the form of an audio track that describes what is happening in the video or a text description that conveys the same information.

The alternative content (audio track or text description) must be synchronized with the video if the video provides timing-sensitive information. For videos that are not timing-sensitive, a text description might suffice.

Example:

For a silent video showing how to assemble a piece of furniture, provide an audio description that details each step shown in the video. For instance, "The person picks up the side panel and attaches it to the base using two screws."

Implementation Tips:

• Clear and Concise: Ensure audio descriptions are clear and concise, covering all significant visual actions.
• Positioning: If using text descriptions, position them close to the video or provide a link to access them easily.
• User Experience: Consider the user's experience and ensure the descriptions do not overload them with too much information at once.
• Descriptive Language: Use descriptive language to convey actions, colors, and important details.

Implementing These Requirements

Creating Accessible Alternatives

• Develop Transcripts: Develop text transcripts for audio-only content, ensuring they capture both spoken content and non-speech information that is crucial for understanding.
• Produce Descriptions: Produce audio descriptions or detailed text descriptions for video-only content. If using audio descriptions, consider how they will be synchronized with the video content.
• Accessible Formats: Use accessible formats like HTML or accessible PDFs for transcripts and descriptions to ensure compatibility with screen readers.

Providing Access to Alternatives

• Easy Access: Make sure the alternatives are easy to find and access. For instance, link to the text transcript or audio description directly from the page hosting the media or provide a clear indication of where to find them.
• Clear Navigation: Consider the user experience for accessing these alternatives, ensuring it does not require excessive steps or complex navigation.
• Consistent Placement: Consistently place links to transcripts and descriptions in the same location on each page to help users quickly find them.
• User Feedback: Collect feedback from users with disabilities to continuously improve the accessibility of your media content.