Create Accessible
AUDIO CONTENT
Goal
Create an alternative format for audio only content, such as a podcast or mp3 audio files.
Benefits
People who are deaf, are hard of hearing, or who are having trouble understanding audio information for any reason, have an alternative format of the content.
What To Do
Provide an accurate transcript for any audio only content.
Ensure there is no background noise.
Do NOT enable autoplay, let users control when audio starts.
Clearly label the link to the transcript (podcast title-transcript).
Use a platform that has keyboard-accessible audio controls (play, pause, stop, volume).
WCAG Conformance Levels
Level A (Minimum Standard)
Provide transcripts
An alternative to a transcript would be captions for pre recorded audio
If audio automatically plays for more than 3 seconds, controls are provided for users to pause or stop the audio
Level AA (What’s Really Expected)
Level A criteria PLUS
Audio descriptions for pre recorded audio
Live audio should have synchronized captions
Level AAA (Over Achiever)
Level A and AA criteria PLUS
Sign language interpretation included for pre recorded & live audio
Provide extended audio descriptions within the transcript.
Live text transcript or captions provided for live audio
Low or no background audio
WCAG 2.2 Technical Guidelines & Success Criteria (SC)
PERCEIVABLE
Guideline 1.1 Text Alternatives
SC 1.1.1 Non-text Content
Guideline 1.2 Time-based Media
SC 1.2.1 Audio-only & Video-only (Pre-recorded)
SC 1.2.2 Captions (Pre-recorded)
SC 1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative (Pre-recorded)
SC 1.2.4 Captions (Live)
SC 1.2.5 Audio Description (Pre-recorded)
SC 1.2.6 Sign Language (Pre-recorded)
SC 1.2.7 Extended Audio Description (Pre-recorded)
SC 1.2.9 Audio-only (Live) (AAA)
SC 1.4.2 Audio Control
SC 1.4.7 Low or No Background Audio (AAA)
OPERABLE
Guideline 2.1 Keyboard Accessible
SC 2.1.1 Keyboard
SC 2.4.4 Link Purpose (in Context)
SC 2.4.9 Link Purpose (Link Only)
Recommended Digital Accessibility Resources
Web Accessibility Initiative
To geek out and go deep on the history and technical criteria for WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) W3C is the resource for you.
Monthly Content Accessibility Checklist
Easy first steps to track and integrate accessibility into the digital content you create on a regular basis for your business.
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The accuracy of information on this website is subject to change. Implementing these accessibility tips by no means ensures your website is fully compliant with current guidelines or laws. You should consult with a professional to audit and/or remediate your site and obtain an accessibility statement.
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