RE: New Topic: Audio and Video Compliance: Transcripts vs Closed Captions

Jacqueline, generally transcripts do not provide the same experience as captions which are synchronized with the media allowing the user to watch the same content and view equivalents for the audio track.  The WCAG 2 AA standards require captions but not transcripts for synchronized multimedia.  Transcripts for multimedia are currently WCAG AAA although many people find them helpful and these may be needed for some populations such as people who are deafblind.  The recommended approach would be to provide both captions and transcripts with captions being needed for multimedia under WCAG 2 AA.

Jonathan

Jonathan Avila, CPWA
Chief Accessibility Officer
Level Access
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From: Jacqueline Beverly <Jacqueline.Beverly@columbiasouthern.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2019 11:49 AM
To: w3c-wai-ig@w3.org
Subject: New Topic: Audio and Video Compliance: Transcripts vs Closed Captions

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My instructional design team is currently reviewing our ADA policies and processes to ensure we are remaining compliant. An item we are stuck on and could really use some guidance is transcripts vs closed captions. Our current process requires us to provide a transcript for all audio and video in our courses. We do not require closed captioning, but sometimes it is included. Can anyone tell me if we are required to offer closed captioning too? Looking at the standards and guidelines and other sites, I have read contradictory information. Thanks!

[cid:image004.png@01D55F2F.4EB0F820]
Jacqueline Beverly
Assistant Director - Instructional Design, Instructional Design and Technology
Columbia Southern University
800.977.8449  ext: 1873
21982 University Lane | Orange Beach, AL 36561
ColumbiaSouthern.edu