Ensuring ADA Compliance for Audio and Video Content

A Guide for Municipalities and Small Businesses

In 2024, a new ADA law came into effect, reinforcing the importance of making online content accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. This includes audio and video content, which should adhere to WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines for accessibility. For municipalities recording meetings or small businesses posting informational videos or other audio / visual content, ensuring compliance can seem daunting, but there are straightforward steps and tools that can help.

Why ADA Compliance Matters

ADA compliance is not just about avoiding legal issues; it’s about inclusivity. Making your audio and video content accessible ensures that all individuals, regardless of hearing, vision, or cognitive disabilities, can engage with your content. This accessibility benefits your community by providing equal access to essential information, such as local government proceedings or informative content about products and services.

Levels of ADA Compliance for Audio and Video Content

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) outline three levels of accessibility: A, AA, and AAA. The law requires AA compliance, which balances accessibility and practicality. Here’s what AA compliance generally requires for audio and video content (time-based media):

1. Captions for Videos: Provide accurate, synchronized captions for all spoken dialogue and important sounds. Captions help those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
2. Audio Descriptions: If your video includes important visual information that isn’t conveyed through the audio, add audio descriptions to describe these elements. This feature supports users who are blind or have low vision.
3. Transcripts for Audio Content: For audio-only content, provide a text transcript that users can read. Transcripts are useful for those with hearing impairments and those who prefer reading over listening.

The Case for Using YouTube

Many municipalities and businesses choose YouTube as their primary platform for hosting video content. YouTube offers several built-in accessibility features that make it easier to meet ADA requirements:

• Auto-Generated Captions: YouTube can automatically generate captions for videos. While this feature is convenient, it’s not always accurate, so it’s crucial to review and edit the captions to ensure they are correct.
• Adjustable Playback Speed: Users can slow down or speed up videos, which is beneficial for viewers who need more time to comprehend the content.
• Screen Reader Compatibility: YouTube’s interface is designed to be compatible with screen readers, making it easier for visually impaired users to navigate.

However, relying solely on YouTube’s accessibility features may not be legally sufficient. Despite its inherent benefits, automatic captions can misinterpret speech, leading to inaccuracies that may not meet ADA standards. Given the evolving nature of ADA law, there’s no definitive answer on what will hold up in court, so it’s wise to be proactive in ensuring the accuracy and accessibility of your content.

A municipality should check with its solicitor to ensure their compliance is appropriate.

Services to Enhance Accessibility

For organizations aiming to meet AA compliance without relying entirely on YouTube’s features, external transcription and captioning services are available. These services can provide more accurate and customizable options for making your audio and video content accessible. Wirecutter did a review of these services in 2024 and found two they liked the best.

1. GoTranscript
GoTranscript offers professional transcription services, including captions and subtitles. Their team ensures accuracy, which is crucial for compliance, and they can provide a quick turnaround time, which is useful for municipalities that need to post meeting recordings promptly.

2. Vook.ai
Vook.ai uses AI to transcribe and create captions. While the service is automated, it provides a good starting point, and you can edit the captions to ensure they meet accessibility standards. This service is often more cost-effective than professional transcription services, making it an excellent option for small businesses or municipalities with tighter budgets.

Other transcription services that you may find useful:

• Read.ai is a good choice for organizations needing meeting transcriptions, especially with integration into video conferencing platforms, making it convenient for live use cases. It is a cost-effective option for short or occasional use with its free tier, while its Pro plan is priced competitively for longer sessions and frequent users.
• Rev.ai is one of the more flexible options, with human transcription at a higher cost but exceptional accuracy. They also offer captions and subtitles, enhancing accessibility for individuals with hearing impairments.
• Sonix.ai is an automated transcription service that supports multiple languages. It transcribes audio and video files quickly, facilitating the creation of accessible content through transcripts and subtitles.
• Trint provides AI-generated transcriptions with an interactive editor, allowing users to refine transcripts efficiently. This service is beneficial for creating accessible content, as it supports multiple languages and integrates with various platforms.

Steps to Ensure Compliance for Your Audio and Video Content

1. Review Auto-Generated Captions: If using YouTube (or an AI service), review and edit auto-generated captions for accuracy. Don’t rely solely on automatic features; inaccuracies could lead to non-compliance.
2. Add Descriptive Captions: Make sure captions aren’t just a transcription of speech. Include descriptions of non-verbal sounds that are essential to understanding the content (e.g., “[applause]” or “[laughter]”).
3. Create Accurate Transcripts: For audio-only content, provide a clear and accurate transcript. This can be done using services like GoTranscript or Vook.ai, but it should always be reviewed for accuracy.
4. Include Audio Descriptions: If your video contains visual elements that are important to the message, consider adding an audio description track to narrate these elements.
5. Regularly Review ADA Standards: The legal landscape around ADA compliance is evolving, and staying informed about changes can help you avoid issues. Regularly check the WCAG guidelines and consult legal resources or accessibility experts when needed.

Conclusion

Creating accessible audio and video content is essential for municipalities and businesses alike. While YouTube’s accessibility features are a helpful starting point, they may not meet all ADA requirements, and relying solely on them could be risky. Utilizing professional or automated transcription services, like GoTranscript or Vook.ai, can help ensure your content is accessible and compliant. By taking a proactive approach to accessibility, you’re not only adhering to legal standards but also fostering inclusivity within your community.

For those seeking more information on how to make their digital content ADA-compliant or looking for affordable services to help, CourseVector offers comprehensive solutions tailored to your needs. Reach out today to learn how we can assist in making your online presence accessible to all.