Creating Accessible Content: Video and Audio

Accessible multimedia benefits everyone. Captions, transcripts and audio descriptions support individuals with disabilities and improve the experience for all users.

At Saginaw Valley State University, video and audio content used for instruction, communication, marketing or other university purposes should be accessible to all users.

Who Is Responsible?

Anyone who creates, shares or uses video or audio content for university purposes is responsible for ensuring that the content is accessible. This includes faculty, staff, departments and units, as well as those using third-party or vendor-provided media.

What Standards Must Be Met?

All video and audio content should align with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA and support the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

• Pre-recorded video must include accurate, synchronized captions
• Audio-only content must include a transcript
• Live events should include captions when feasible
• Audio description should be provided when important visual information is not conveyed through audio

What to Do

Use the following practices to help ensure your multimedia content is accessible:

1. Review captions: Many video platforms generate automatic captions. These must be reviewed and edited for accuracy, including names, technical terms, punctuation and speaker identification.
2. Provide transcripts: Ensure transcripts are available for audio-only content and when needed for video.
3. Check quality: Auto-generated captions are often incomplete or inaccurate. Always review and correct captions before sharing content.
4. Live events: Enable captioning features available in your platform when possible. After the event, review and correct captions before sharing recordings.
5. Third-party media: Ensure videos or audio from external sources include accurate captions or transcripts before assigning or publishing them.
6. Student or external content: If student-created or externally sourced media is used for official university purposes, the department or instructor sharing the content is responsible for ensuring accessibility.

Accessibility Best Practices

Captions

• Ensure captions are accurate, complete and synchronized with the audio
• Include speaker identification when appropriate
• Include meaningful sound cues (for example, “music playing” or “laughter”) when relevant

Transcripts

• Provide transcripts for audio-only content
• Provide transcripts for video when appropriate to support comprehension and accessibility

Audio Description

• Provide audio description or equivalent explanation when visual content conveys essential information not included in the audio

Media Quality

• Ensure audio is clear and understandable
• Avoid background noise that interferes with comprehension
• Use clear visuals with sufficient contrast and readable text

Support

Departments and instructors may contact the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) for guidance on accessible instructional media and IT Support for assistance with platforms and technical tools.

What Tools Are Available?

• YouTube: Add subtitles and captions
• Section 508 guidance on captions and transcripts
• WebAIM: Captions, transcripts and audio descriptions

Training and Resources

• WebAIM multimedia accessibility resources
• WebAIM real-time captioning guidance
• Section 508 captions and transcripts guidance