Audio description or media alternative (prerecorded)¶

Introduction¶

This document gives information about the related Acquia Optimize checks:

• object link to multimedia file require equivalent alternatives (e.g. captions or auditory descriptions of the visual track
• Video element visual content has accessible alternative.

What¶

Prerecorded video content must include an alternative that provides the same information for users who cannot see the video. There are two approaches to meeting this requirement:

• Audio description: Adds narration during pauses in dialogue to describe important visual elements like actions, characters, and scene changes.
• Text alternative: An alternative for time-based media provides a running description of all that is going on in the synchronized media content. The alternative for time-based media reads something like a screenplay or book. Unlike audio description, the description of the video portion is not constrained to just the pauses in the existing dialogue. Full descriptions are provided of all visual information, including visual context, actions and expressions of actors, and any other visual material. In addition, non-speech sounds (laughter, off-screen voices, etc.) are described, and transcripts of all dialogue are included. The sequence of description and dialogue transcripts are the same as the sequence in the synchronized media itself. As a result, the alternative for time-based media can provide a much more complete representation of the synchronized media content than audio description alone.

Why¶

When video content does not have an accessible alternative, it significantly limits the ability of blind or visually impaired users to access important information. Videos often convey critical details visually, and without a proper alternative such as audio descriptions or good text-based alternatives, these users are excluded from understanding the full content. Providing an accessible alternative ensures that everyone, regardless of their ability to see the video, has equal access to the information presented.

This check affects individuals with:

• Blindness or visual impairments: Who rely on audio descriptions or other non-visual alternatives to understand the information conveyed in videos.

User story¶

 Fatima is a 33-year-old woman from Morocco who lost her sight at the age of 12 due to a degenerative eye condition. She works as a radio presenter for a local station in Casablanca, focusing on social and cultural issues.

"During the recent floods in Casablanca, it was terrifying for me and so many other blind people. The authorities were sending out videos with infographics to show how the disaster was spreading and which areas were at risk, but there was no audio! Without any description, I could not follow what was happening at all. It was not just uncomfortable – it was pure fear, for myself and for my family and friends. I had to rely on asking around and waiting for someone to explain, but in an emergency, we should have access to the information just as quickly as everyone else.”

Examples¶

Example – Lacking audio description for visual information¶

During a natural disaster, authorities release video updates showing the spread and impact of flooding in an affected city. However, the video lacks audio descriptions for the visual information, which makes it difficult for blind residents to stay adequately informed about the situation.

This lack of audio descriptions hinders blind users from accessing vital updates on their surroundings during a crisis.

Example – Effective use of audio description for visual information¶

During a natural disaster, authorities release video updates that show the spread and impact of flooding in an affected city. The video includes detailed audio descriptions that provide essential context for the visual information, enabling all viewers, including blind residents, to stay informed about the situation as it unfolds.

In each video update, audio descriptions are integrated to narrate crucial visual details, such as:

• The water levels rising in specific neighborhoods
• Evacuation routes and areas impacted by flooding
• Key landmarks affected by the floodwaters
• Visual cues about the severity of the flood, like submerged cars, or damaged buildings.

These audio descriptions ensure that blind residents receive essential information in real-time, which enables them to make informed decisions about safety measures, evacuation, or shelter options.

How¶

How to review it?

The Acquia Optimize platform identifies non-streaming video elements and object elements that link to videos within the code. Your task is to review whether the video includes sufficient audio descriptions or an alternative media option.

Do an assessment to determine if the video requires an alternative to its visual content:

1. Watch the video and take note of any information that is presented visually.

2. Then, play the video again with your eyes closed and just listen to the audio track.

  If you miss any essential information with your eyes closed, the video needs an accessible alternative. If not, you can mark the video as reviewed.

If you determine that an accessible alternative is needed for the video, check whether it provides either an alternative for time-based media or an audio description.

• Alternative for time-based media: Sequenced text descriptions of visual and auditory content, either displayed on the same page as the video or accessible through a link near the video player.
• Audio description: Narration added to the soundtrack to describe essential visual details that is not conveyed by the main audio. It can be an optional audio track activated through the video player or a link to a version with the audio description included.

If you determine that the video provides one of the above alternatives for visual video content, mark it as "reviewed." If not, an accessible alternative must be added to the video before you can mark it as "reviewed."

For further information see How to review an accessibility issue

Additional resources¶

WCAG success criteria

1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded)