Accessible Audio & Video Content
You may have an appreciation for the creation of audio and video content and have the need for accessible audiovisual services.
You may not be aware, but there are over a billion people in the world online that have an audiovisual sight or hearing impairment.
Nonetheless, there are tools in place to ensure everyone is able to receive and participate in the consumption of audio and video content that is produced to relay crucial information.
Dave Kneisler has a passion for creating audiovisual content. Period.
WCAG Audiovisual Creation
For your video projects, we can create the following:
- transcriptions
- subtitles
- voiceovers
- translations
- music
- video production and editing
Content Distribution Mediums
Audiovisual content can be created for any businesses looking to add it to their:
- Video Channel (YouTube/Vimeo)
- Social Media Accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.)
- Website
- Podcast
Understanding the importance of transcription and caption
Why use transcription and caption for your content?
Including captions and transcripts for videos and podcasts (or any audio recordings) demonstrates sensitivity and can improve the experience of those with disabilities.
Furthermore, it allows search engines to index the content of the media. Search bots are unable to play videos or podcasts.
Quality captions include:
- Correct punctuation & grammar
- All on-screen text, e.g. if the speaker is showing something written in a book or a sign not described
- Audio descriptions e.g. “door creaks open”, “alarm is sounding”, “chimes”
- Placement of captions that does not cover or block important images on the screen (e.g. the speaker’s face, objects of importance)
Why use Audiovisual Descriptions?
An audio description is a voice that describes what is happening in the video.
This narration service seeks to provide a unique experience for persons who are blind or visually impaired, allowing them to understand what a sighted person would instinctively comprehend from an image, rather than relying on a sighted companion to describe it in detail.
The incorporation of audio description is an essential element of any video absent of dialogue. If an audio description is not feasible, the transcript and/or captions should be sufficiently detailed.
A lack of audio description or other descriptive elements effectively precludes access to the content by nearly 285 million people who are visually impaired.
If you are presenting materials containing charts and diagrams, it is important to ensure that your presentation is as accessible as possible by providing audio descriptions of the visuals for those who are visually impaired.
Making podcasts accessible
It is highly recommended that podcasts include an interactive transcript or at minimum a full-text transcript along with an accompanying schedule.
A videoconference with a sign language interpreter would be an ideal addition. It is important to note that deaf and hard of hearing persons can read proficiently; however, a sign language translation would offer them an even more comprehensive experience.
If the podcast is of extended duration, viewers would benefit from the additional support a sign language interpreter can provide.
Ensure that your podcasts are accessible to all. Speak at a moderate pace and provide verbal descriptions of essential information such as chart data or statistics.
A podcast that is designed to be accessible to all users will be beneficial to all, as opposed to a video which relies heavily on visual components to be accessible to sighted users.
Not all of your audience members may possess fluency in the language you are speaking, which will be of great benefit to those with cognitive impairments.
It is important to include the speakers and any links mentioned in the podcast for accessibility purposes and to improve the podcast’s search engine ranking.
Depending on the particular type of individual consuming the information in your podcast, some may be unable to listen to the content, while others find it easier to read it.
Remember to cater to everyone when you deliver your content to the world.
Audiovisual CV Portfolio
Have a look at some examples of work by visiting this Audio & Video CV page.