The Problem We Address
American regulations Title II and III of the ADA and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act require audio descriptions for videos. State regulations like California's AB 434 and international regulations like Canada's AODA require the same. All such regulations require compliance to the WCAG 2.0 standard to an AA rating which states, "1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded): Audio description is provided for all prerecorded video content in synchronized media."
Our Solution
We package a client's video into presentation by the Able Player video player which has a simple switch to turn on audio descriptions -- not yet available on YouTube's player. We produce the audio description track as shown below.
A typical blind user would turn captions off, otherwise, their screen reader would produce its audio version causing the blind user to hear the video's dialog and the captions at the same time. The blind user would turn the audio description track on. Timed correctly, the audio description plays in the space between the dialog in the video.
We would be happy to review your video and bid on the production of a completely accessible version with audio descriptions. Simply introduce yourself with our Get a Quote form.
When choosing to make media accessible, there are many considerations an organization must weigh. Oftentimes there are drivers to creating accessible videos, such as legal requirements, an accommodation request, or other organizational policies. Finding a balance between all these items is critical. Access2online meets the market needs for an affordable option with a quick turnaround time and guaranteed accuracy.
Q & A
Q1: What happens when the audio description can't fit into the space between the dialog?
A1: We fit the audio description in spaces before or after the dialog if possible. An AAA rating requires a video that expands space between dialog, but an AA rating (all that's required) does not.