Is there a text alternative for the linked audio file?
1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded)
Introduction
This document provides information about the Acquia Web Governance accessibility check:
Is there a text alternative for the linked audio file?
What
This check verifies that any audio files that are linked through image maps or clickable areas provide a corresponding text transcript. When audio content is provided, a text alternative is necessary to ensure that the information remains accessible to all users, regardless of their ability to hear the audio.
Why
Text alternatives must be provided for inclusivity. People with hearing loss, auditory processing disorders, or cognitive disabilities may find it difficult or impossible to understand spoken content without a transcript. Furthermore, users in noisy environments, such as public transport, or those without functioning speakers also rely on text versions of audio content to access information.
Who
Affected users
This check affects individuals with:
Hearing loss: Who may struggle to comprehend spoken content without a transcript.
Auditory processing disorders: Who may find it challenging to focus on spoken words.
Cognitive disabilities: Who may find it difficult or impossible to understand spoken content without a transcript.
No impairments: All users benefit from text alternatives when they access information in noisy environments or have no functioning speaker alternatives.
Examples
Pass example
This check passes when a linked audio file is accompanied by a clear link to a text transcript or when the page provides a way to access the spoken content in a written format.
HTML
<area shape="rect" coords="34,44,270,350" href="presentation.mp3" alt="Audio presentation">
<a href="presentation-transcript.html">View transcript for the audio presentation</a>
Fail example
This check fails when an audio file is linked within a selectable area and does not provide associated text alternative. Users who cannot hear are not able to access the content and have no other way to access the information.
HTML
<area shape="rect" coords="34,44,270,350" href="interview.mp3" alt="Listen to the interview">
How
How
This section provides information about how to review and fix the issue.
How to review it
Identify all linked audio files on the page, specifically those triggered by image maps or selectable areas. You can use the Web Governance Browser Extension to identify the element on the page or in the HTML source code. For each audio link, ensure that a text transcript can be easily accessed and that it accurately reflects the spoken content.
How to fix it
Create a text transcript that includes all spoken information and meaningful sounds from the audio file.
Provide a visible link to the transcript immediately adjacent to the audio link or clickable area.
Ensure that the transcript is accessible to screen readers and formatted for readability.
Additional resources
This section contains useful resources for this subject.
Is there a text alternative for the linked audio file?
1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded)
Introduction
This document provides information about the Acquia Web Governance accessibility check:
Is there a text alternative for the linked audio file?
What
This check verifies that any audio files that are linked through image maps or clickable areas provide a corresponding text transcript. When audio content is provided, a text alternative is necessary to ensure that the information remains accessible to all users, regardless of their ability to hear the audio.
Why
Text alternatives must be provided for inclusivity. People with hearing loss, auditory processing disorders, or cognitive disabilities may find it difficult or impossible to understand spoken content without a transcript. Furthermore, users in noisy environments, such as public transport, or those without functioning speakers also rely on text versions of audio content to access information.
Who
Affected users
This check affects individuals with:
Hearing loss: Who may struggle to comprehend spoken content without a transcript.
Auditory processing disorders: Who may find it challenging to focus on spoken words.
Cognitive disabilities: Who may find it difficult or impossible to understand spoken content without a transcript.
No impairments: All users benefit from text alternatives when they access information in noisy environments or have no functioning speaker alternatives.
Examples
Pass example
This check passes when a linked audio file is accompanied by a clear link to a text transcript or when the page provides a way to access the spoken content in a written format.
HTML
<area shape="rect" coords="34,44,270,350" href="presentation.mp3" alt="Audio presentation">
<a href="presentation-transcript.html">View transcript for the audio presentation</a>
Fail example
This check fails when an audio file is linked within a selectable area and does not provide associated text alternative. Users who cannot hear are not able to access the content and have no other way to access the information.
HTML
<area shape="rect" coords="34,44,270,350" href="interview.mp3" alt="Listen to the interview">
How
How
This section provides information about how to review and fix the issue.
How to review it
Identify all linked audio files on the page, specifically those triggered by image maps or selectable areas. You can use the Web Governance Browser Extension to identify the element on the page or in the HTML source code. For each audio link, ensure that a text transcript can be easily accessed and that it accurately reflects the spoken content.
How to fix it
Create a text transcript that includes all spoken information and meaningful sounds from the audio file.
Provide a visible link to the transcript immediately adjacent to the audio link or clickable area.
Ensure that the transcript is accessible to screen readers and formatted for readability.
Additional resources
This section contains useful resources for this subject.
Web Governance