Video audio descriptions
Description
This rule ensures that videos include audio descriptions for users who are blind or have low vision. Audio descriptions provide a verbal narration of important visual details that are not conveyed through the main audio track, enabling users with visual impairments to understand the full context of the video content.
Disabilities Impacted
- Blindness: Users who are blind rely on audio descriptions to understand visual elements, actions, and scene changes that are not covered by the dialogue or sound effects.
- Low Vision: Users with low vision may miss critical visual details, even if they can see parts of the screen. Audio descriptions help fill in these gaps.
- Cognitive Disabilities: Some users with cognitive disabilities benefit from audio descriptions as they provide a clear, concise narration of visual elements, aiding comprehension.
Why It Matters
Including audio descriptions in videos ensures that all users, regardless of their visual abilities, can access and understand video content. Audio descriptions provide a more inclusive experience, allowing users with visual impairments to engage fully with the video and grasp important visual information that would otherwise be inaccessible. This is essential for providing equitable access to multimedia content.
Coding Problems and Solutions
Common Coding Problems
- Missing Audio Descriptions: The video lacks an audio description track.
- Inadequate Descriptions: The provided audio descriptions do not cover all relevant visual details or are not synchronized properly.
- Technical Issues: Users may have difficulty accessing or enabling audio descriptions due to player limitations or improper configuration.
How to Fix It
Include Audio Descriptions
Ensure that videos have a separate audio description track or integrate audio descriptions into the main audio.
Ensure Comprehensive Descriptions
Provide detailed and synchronized audio descriptions that cover all significant visual elements, actions, and scene changes. Collaborate with professional audio describers if possible to ensure high-quality descriptions.
Enable Easy Access
Configure video players to support easy toggling of audio descriptions and ensure compatibility across different browsers and devices.
Known Limitations
- Player Compatibility: Not all video players support audio descriptions. Ensure that the chosen player is capable of handling audio description tracks.
- Language Support: Providing audio descriptions in multiple languages may require additional resources and coordination.
- Technical Expertise: Creating and synchronizing high-quality audio descriptions can be technically challenging and may require expertise in both audio production and accessibility standards.