Why Web Accessibility and ADA Compliance Matter: Part 6 – Captions & Transcripts

This is the last part in our ADA compliance and website accessibility series where we go over the basics steps that any content editor can follow to make their association’s web presence more inclusive and accessible. In this post we will be going over captions for videos and transcripts for audio content. 

Providing captions for videos and transcripts for audio content is an essential aspect of making your website accessible to users with hearing impairments. These features ensure that all users, regardless of their ability to hear, can access and understand the content you provide. Here’s a detailed look at why captions and transcripts are important, and how to implement them effectively: 

1. Why Captions and Transcripts Matter: 

• Accessibility: Captions and transcripts provide a textual alternative to audio content, making it accessible to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. This aligns with accessibility standards and legal requirements, such as those outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

• Comprehension: Captions can also benefit users who may not have hearing impairments but are in noisy environments, non-native speakers who may find it easier to follow written text, and those who process information better visually. 

• SEO Benefits: Transcripts of audio and video content can improve your website’s SEO by providing text that search engines can index, helping your content reach a broader audience. 

2. Providing Captions for Videos: 

• Types of Captions: 

• Closed Captions (CC): These are captions that can be turned on or off by the user. They are embedded in the video file but do not display unless selected by the viewer. 

• Open Captions: These are captions that are always visible and cannot be turned off. They are burned into the video file. 

• Subtitles: While similar to captions, subtitles are often used for translation purposes and may not include non-verbal sounds like music or sound effects, which captions typically do. 

• Creating Captions: 

• Manual Captioning: Manually create captions by transcribing the audio and syncing it with the video. This can be done using video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or free tools like GoTranscript. 

• Automatic Captioning: Some platforms, like YouTube, offer automatic captioning, which can save time. However, these captions often require editing for accuracy, as automatic systems may not always correctly interpret the spoken content, especially with accents or background noise. 

• Caption Placement: Ensure captions are placed in a location that doesn’t obstruct important visual content. They are typically positioned at the bottom of the screen but should be moved if they cover something essential. 

• Non-Verbal Elements: Include descriptions of non-verbal sounds that are important to the understanding of the content. For example, [music playing], [applause], or [door slams]. 

3. Providing Transcripts for Audio Content: 

• What to Include: 

• Verbatim Text: Transcripts should include every spoken word, including dialogue, narration, and any on-screen text that is spoken. 

• Speaker Identification: Clearly indicate who is speaking, especially in multi-speaker content. This can be done by labeling each speaker’s name or role before their dialogue. 

• Non-Speech Information: Transcripts should also include descriptions of non-speech elements that contribute to understanding, such as [background noise] or [audience laughter]. 

• Types of Transcripts: 

• Basic Transcripts: These are simple, text-only representations of the spoken content in the audio or video. 

• Interactive Transcripts: Some platforms offer interactive transcripts, where the text is synchronized with audio or video. Users can click on a part of the transcript to jump to that point in the video or audio. 

• Creating Transcripts: 

• Manual Transcription: Manually listen to the audio and type out the content. This can be done using text editors or specialized transcription software like Express Scribe. 

• Automatic Transcription: Use tools like Otter.ai, Google Docs Voice Typing, or Trint to automatically transcribe audio. As with automatic captioning, these may require manual editing for accuracy. 

4. Implementing Captions and Transcripts on Your Website: 

• Video Platforms: If you’re hosting videos on platforms like YouTube or Vimeo, these often have built-in support for captions. You can upload caption files (usually in formats like .SRT or .VTT) directly to the platform. 

• Embedding Videos: When embedding videos on your website, ensure that captions are included and can be turned on by the user. If using an external platform, make sure the player has caption support and that captions are enabled by default or easily accessible. 

• Providing Transcripts: For audio content like podcasts, place the transcript on the same page as the audio player. This can be in a section below the player or as a downloadable document (like a PDF or Word file). Ensure that the transcript is clearly labeled and easy to find. 

5. Testing and Quality Assurance: 

• Review for Accuracy: Whether you create captions and transcripts manually or use automated tools, review them for accuracy. Ensure that the text matches the spoken content precisely and that non-verbal sounds are described appropriately. 

• User Testing: Get feedback from users who rely on captions and transcripts to ensure they are useful, accurate, and accessible. This might involve testing with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

Benefits: 

• Improved Accessibility: Ensures that all users, including those with hearing impairments, can access your content. 

• Broader Audience Reach: Captions and transcripts make your content more accessible to non-native speakers, people in noisy environments, and those who prefer reading over listening. 

• Legal Compliance: Helps you meet legal requirements and avoid potential lawsuits related to accessibility. 

• Enhanced User Experience: Provides a better overall experience for all users, increasing engagement and satisfaction. 

Example: 

• Good Example: A video on your website has a “CC” button allowing users to turn on captions, with accurate text that matches the spoken words and includes descriptions of relevant sounds. Below the video, there’s a clearly labeled transcript that includes the full dialogue and speaker identifications. 

• Bad Example: A video with no captions, or captions that are out of sync, incomplete, or inaccurate. The video’s page has no transcript, leaving users with hearing impairments unable to access the content. 

By providing high-quality captions and transcripts, you make your content accessible to a wider audience, enhance the user experience, and comply with important accessibility standards. Are you looking for an association management company that cares about the small details like inclusion and accessibility, contact AMR today to see how we can help!