Video element auditory content has accessible alternative¶

Introduction¶

This document gives information about the related Acquia Optimize checks:

• Video element auditory content has accessible alternative

What¶

Video elements containing audio must provide captions that convey the audio information in text format.

Why¶

Captions are crucial for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, as they provide access to information presented through audio in videos. Without captions, these individuals may miss important content. Captions also benefit many others. For example, someone in a noisy café might not be able to hear the video and can rely on captions to follow along. In a quiet library, a person may choose to mute the audio and read the captions instead. Additionally, captions can assist language learners or those who process information better when both reading and listening simultaneously.

This check affects individuals with

• Hearing impairments: Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing rely on captions to access information presented through audio.
• No impairments: Anyone in quiet or noisy environments: In noisy settings where it’s difficult to hear, or in quiet spaces where sound cannot be used, captions allow users to follow the content without audio.
• Cognitive differences: Some users may find it easier to process information when they can both read and hear the content simultaneously.

User story¶

Mei-Ling is a 41-year-old woman originally from Chengdu, China, now living in Brighton, England. She works as a ceramic artist and runs her own studio. Mei-Ling became deaf as a teenager due to an illness and uses both British Sign Language (BSL) and written communication to interact with her clients and manage her business.

"I cannot count how many times I have felt stuck because a video I need to watch for my work does not have captions. You would think people would realize by now that not everyone can just turn up the volume. I rely on visual information so much, but without captions, it is like a whole door shuts in my face. I hate having to ask someone else to help all the time. It is not just frustrating, it is embarrassing. I am a professional, I should not need a translator to understand basic things, especially when it is critical for my business.

Just last week, I had to watch a tutorial about a new glaze technique for ceramics. The video was in English, but without captions, I could not follow the detailed instructions. I ended up having to ask one of my hearing colleagues to sit with me and explain it – wasting both of our time. It made me feel helpless, like I could not run my own studio efficiently. And it is not just about me; it is about respect for anyone who is deaf. We deserve to be able to work just like everyone else, without being constantly reminded of how we are left out."

Examples¶

Example – Video without captions¶

A government website features an important video explaining how citizens should prepare and respond in case of a natural disaster, such as a hurricane or flood. However, the video lacks captions, making the life-saving information inaccessible for deaf and hard-of-hearing users.

Without captions, viewers who cannot hear the audio miss out on critical instructions about evacuation routes, emergency kits, and safety measures.

Example – Video with captions¶

A government website features an important video explaining how citizens should prepare and respond in case of a natural disaster, such as a hurricane or flood. The video includes captions, ensuring that all users, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, can access the life-saving information.

With captions, viewers can follow the critical instructions on evacuation routes, emergency kits, and safety measures, even without hearing the audio.

How¶

How to review it?

The Acquia Optimize platform highlights non-streaming  video elements in the code.

1. Assess if the video is an alternative to existing text. 
   • Determine whether the video serves as an alternative medium to text already available on the page. If the information in the video is fully covered by the text, captions are not required. In this case, you can immediately mark the video as "reviewed."
2. Check if the video conveys important information through audio. - Assess whether the audio track communicates crucial information. Watch the video with the sound muted. If no important information is missed when the audio is off, captions are not needed. If you determine that no essential details are lost without the sound, mark the video as "reviewed."
3. Verify if the captions accurately reflect the audio track.
   • If captions are required, review that the video provides captions and ensure they accurately describe the audio in the video. Ensure that the captions:
     • Appear in sync with the spoken dialogue or sound effects.
     • Include all spoken content, including dialogue and voiceovers.
     • Describe important non-speech sounds (e.g., alarms, music, sound effects).

If the captions meet these criteria, you can mark the video as "reviewed." 

If not, resolve the issue by adding or correcting the captions before marking the video as "reviewed."

For further information see How to review an accessibility issue.

Additional resources¶

WCAG success criteria¶

1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded)

ACT rules¶

Related accessibility conformance testing rules.

Video element auditory content has accessible alternative

Other¶

Captioning Key