All audio files should have an adjacent transcript and appropriate user controls.

Do not set audio and/or video files to auto-start and do not loop.

Provide captions and audio descriptions (when needed) for linked and embedded multimedia clips.

All video files should contain synchronous captions.   These can be open or closed but closed is the preferred method.  Closed captions can be turned on and off.  Open captions are part of the video and cannot be turned off.

Provide a transcript for all videos.

Include links to all necessary plug-ins.

PROVIDE CONTENT IN MULTIPLE FORMATS

For audio to be accessible there must be a text equivalent available.  

Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing need a text alternative for audio content in your course. This will also benefit students who cannot access the audio because the are in a public place.  In addition, some students learn best from what they read, and having a text version reinforces vocabulary as the student can see as well as hear the words.

When providing access to spoken audio, provide a text version along with the audio file. With both the audio file and transcript readily available, users can choose to read, listen, or both.

SETTING MEDIA PLAYERS

Along with the adjacent transcript there should be appropriate user controls.   AutoPlay should not be enabled, and the the media should not be allowed to loop (play over and over).  

Create a script for the audio portion of your video before recording.  

Be sure the audio portion is descriptive of all the visuals as this is all the information a blind person will receive. This script can be attached as a transcript either before or after the video.

Transcripts can be helpful to a wide array of students because some students learn better by reading material rather than watching a video.

You may need to link to files that require a browser plugin in order to open the file. If you provide a link to the site where students can quickly find what they need, it will be easier for them to complete that part of the assignment.  A list of common browser plugins and links to their sites follows.

Video/Audio/Multimedia Software

• Adobe Flash Player (free) (Windows and Mac versions)
• Adobe Shockwave (free) (Windows and Mac versions)
• Apple iTunes (free) (Mac and Windows versions)
• Real Player (free)