Check for accessibility

A video or audio file is considered accessible if it includes:

1. A transcript: A word-for-word document that is typically independent of the video. This can either be opened while listening to the video/audio file or accessed independently.
2. Captions
   1. Open captions: Captions that are automatically visible to viewers and do not need to be turned on.
   2. Closed captions: Captions that need to be activated by the viewer. You should include a note for how to turn these on (typically by clicking the CC icon).
3. Narrated descriptions of visual elements (e.g., setting, who’s in the scene, body language, etc.).

Why is this important?

Although captions and transcripts are accommodations designed for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, they are used by a much wider population. For instance, English language learners or individuals with auditory processing difficulties can use captions to help them better understand what is being said.

Think about your own experience with captions. Perhaps you use them in gyms, airports, or restaurants, or maybe you use them to watch television while others in your household are sleeping. Like with other accommodations, accessibility of video and audio files can benefit everyone, not just those with disabilities.

Create accessible files

Where is the file from?

If you created the file, you should caption it (see below). If using external video/audio sources, you should try to select sources that include captions. If they do not, you should create a transcript. It takes approximately thirty minutes to type out a transcript for a ten-minute file.

What is your time frame and expertise with captioning?

If you plan to only use a few videos and have the time and resources (e.g., work-study student, teaching assistant), you could create your own captions and transcripts. New technologies have made it significantly easier to generate these. However, if you use videos extensively, you may want to consider an outside captioning provider.

What is your budget?

Captioning can be quite expensive – approximately $2 to $8 per minute of video. The price is generally cheaper if you provide a transcript. Captioning service providers will embed captions directly into your videos. You should check if your department has the financial resources for captioning. Inform your department chair how much money you will need to caption your videos before contacting a provider.

How do you caption?

Panopto

Panopto is Suffolk’s lecture capture application that gives users the ability to record themselves with a webcam alongside a shared screen (e.g., PowerPoint presentation). In the application, you can easily add automatic captions. Though these captions are relatively accurate, they will likely need to be edited. If you do not have time to edit, you can outsource the captions.

PowerPoint

If you record PowerPoint lectures, include a transcript for each slide in the notes section of your presentation. You may want to write your transcript first and then record your video using the transcript.

Zoom

Learn about closed captioning and live transcription →

Audio transcription for cloud recordings →

YouTube

See the guide for adding closed captions →