Ensuring Accessibility : SC 1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded)

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For an inclusive web experience, prerecorded multimedia content, including both video and audio, must feature synchronized captions. These captions should encompass all essential dialogue, identify speakers when necessary, and describe crucial sound effects.

Types of Captions

There are two main types of captions:

  • Closed Captions: These can be turned on or off by the viewer.
  • Open Captions: These are permanently displayed and cannot be toggled off.

Why Captions Matter

Captions are vital for individuals with hearing impairments who may struggle to hear or fully understand audio content. By providing synchronized captions, you ensure that they can access all dialogue and sound effects. Additionally, captions assist those watching in noisy environments or anyone who finds it helpful to read along with the audio.

How to Test this

To ensure your multimedia content meets accessibility standards:

  1. Locate Multimedia Files: Identify all video files with audio.
  2. Check Caption Availability: Verify if captions are present and determine if they are closed or open.
  3. Verify Caption Quality:
    • Ensure captions are clearly visible.
    • Confirm that captions are in sync with the video.
    • Check that captions identify speakers when needed.
    • Make sure captions include all dialogue and describe significant sound effects.

Exception

Captions may not be necessary if the video merely repeats information already available in text on the page, such as a video summarizing text content designed to assist users with dyslexia.

Efficient Testing

For sites with large amounts of video content, reviewing every minute of each video can be impractical. Instead, test ax sample (30-60 seconds) to confirm that captions are present and properly synchronized.

Summary

To ensure web accessibility, prerecorded multimedia files (video with audio) must feature synchronized captions. These captions can be closed (toggleable) or open (always visible) and should include all essential dialogue, identify speakers, and describe key sound effects.

Benefits: Captions are crucial for users with hearing impairments, those in noisy environments, and anyone who benefits from reading along with the audio.

Testing: Verify that captions are visible, synchronized, and comprehensive by checking a representative sample of your content. Ensure captions are accurate and cover all necessary elements.

Exceptions: Captions are not needed if the video content merely repeats information already available in text form on the page.

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