This help article outlines why media accessibility is important, how content creators can make media accessible, and where accessible media might be relevant.
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Media refers to audio and/or video-based content used to interact with users. Media accessibility refers to the practice of making media accessible to users with disabilities. This includes providing alternative ways of accessing the content, such as captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions. |
Why is media accessibility important?
Media accessibility is crucial for ensuring that all users can interact with multimedia content in an equitable and meaningful way. It is particularly important for users who are deaf or hard of hearing, are blind or visually impaired, or have cognitive or motor impairments. Accessible media ensures equal access to information and opportunities, thus promoting inclusivity and reducing barriers for users with disabilities.
How do I create accessible media?
Accessible multimedia should feature captioning, transcription, and audio descriptions, as applicable.
Captioning
Captions are an audio-synchronized text alternative to the speech and non-speech audio information present in a video. These captions are displayed within the media player and provide context to people who are hearing impaired and others who rely on written information to process media, such as non-native speakers.
Transcription
Transcripts are a key component of any video content used by deafblind audience members and others who rely on or prefer written information. It is also helpful for people who want to quickly read through the transcript to understand the content of the media. A transcript must be placed under its associated media and be easily identifiable for all users.
Audio Description
Audio description, or descriptive narration, describes visual components, such as text, needed to understand content present in media. These descriptions provide additional context for people who are blind and those with different learning styles and access needs.
Media Accessibility Checklist Items
The following information provides a checklist that can be followed to make media accessible.
Audio Only
Pre-Recorded Audio:
Transcription - separate from the audio
Captioning - synchronized with the audio
Live Audio:
Transcription - a live text stream, unless following a provided script
Captioning - synchronized with the audio
Pre-Recorded Video
Does the video have speech or other audio that is needed to understand the content?
If yes,
If not, inform users.
Does the video have visual information that is needed to understand the content?
If yes,
If not, inform users.
Live Video Streaming
Is there speech or other audio that is needed to understand the content?
If yes,
Include captioning and a text stream available to screen reading software
If not, inform users.
Is there visual information that is needed to understand the content?
If yes,
Include descriptive narration and a text stream available to screen reading software
If not, inform users.
Where will accessible media be most relevant?
Accessible media may be included in HTML resources like web pages, web forms, social media posts, newsletters, or non-HTML digital resources like documents or presentations. Please refer to the following links to learn how accessible media can be applied in multiple digital environments.
HTML Content
For faculty and staff: Content & and Media at pdx.edu
Social Media
Automated captions and transcripts can be generated and edited for accuracy in YouTube and Media Space. Alternatively, faculty and staff can request Human captioning and transcription at a cost by uploading your multimedia to Media Space and submitting a Caption Request for pdx.edu Public-Facing Multimedia.
University Policy Connection
Making media accessible is a critical step in complying with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2 per Portland State University’s Digital Accessibility Policy. Please reference the following World Wide Web Consortium help article for more information:
Understanding WCAG 2 Success Criterion 1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded)
Understanding WCAG 2 Success Criterion 1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded)
Understanding WCAG 2 Success Criterion 1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded)
Understanding WCAG 2 Success Criterion 1.2.4 Captions (Live)
Understanding WCAG 2 Success Criterion 1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded)
Understanding WCAG 2 Success Criterion 1.2.6 Sign Language (Prerecorded)
Understanding WCAG 2 Success Criterion 1.2.7 Extended Audio Description (Prerecorded)
Understanding WCAG 2 Success Criterion 1.2.8 Media Alternative (Prerecorded)
Understanding WCAG 2 Success Criterion 1.2.9 Audio-only (Live)
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If faculty or staff have any additional questions regarding digital accessibility for public-facing digital resources at PSU, please email help-accessibility@pdx.edu or submit a Digital Accessibility Support ticket. |