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Video Accessible Content

Creating Accessible Videos

The Importance of Video Accessibility

Videos are a powerful educational and communication tool, but they are inaccessible to many users without proper accommodations. Captions benefit not only deaf and hard-of-hearing users but also non-native English speakers, users in noisy environments, and anyone who prefers reading along with audio.

UC Merced Video Accessibility Workflow

UC Merced uses Kaltura as the primary video platform. Kaltura provides automatic captioning, which significantly reduces the time required to create accessible videos. However, automatic captions require manual review and editing to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.

Step-by-Step Guide to Accessible Videos

Seven-step process for creating accessible videos at UC Merced
Step Action Why It Matters Details
1. Upload to Kaltura Upload your video to Kaltura through your course management system or the Kaltura MediaSpace. Kaltura provides integrated captioning tools and ensures consistent accessibility workflow across campus. Access Kaltura via Canvas, CatCourses, or MediaSpace
2. Enable Auto-Captioning Turn on Kaltura's automatic captioning feature immediately after upload. Auto-captioning provides a baseline transcript that saves significant time compared to manual captioning. In Kaltura: Actions → Caption & Enrich → Order Captions (Machine)
3. Assign Review and Editing Designate a staff member, student assistant, or course support staff to review and edit the auto-generated captions. Auto-captions typically achieve 60-80% accuracy. Manual review is required to reach the WCAG-required 99% accuracy. Editing can be done by instructors, TAs, department staff, or student workers
4. Train Staff on Caption Editing Provide a brief training session (15-30 minutes) on how to access and edit captions in Kaltura. Ensures consistency in caption quality and empowers staff to contribute to accessibility. Contact accessibility team for training materials and support
5. Review and Correct Captions Manually review auto-captions and correct all errors, including spelling, punctuation, technical terms, proper nouns, and speaker identification. Accurate captions are legally required and essential for comprehension. Errors in technical content or names can confuse all users. Kaltura Caption Editor: Actions → Edit Captions
6. Publish with Captions Enabled Ensure captions are enabled and set to display by default for all viewers. Makes content immediately accessible to all users without requiring them to manually enable captions. In Kaltura: Settings → Captions → Set as Default
7. Provide a Transcript (Optional but Recommended) Download the finalized captions and provide them as a separate text document. Transcripts allow users to search, reference, and access content in their preferred format. In Kaltura: Actions → Download Captions → WebVTT or SRT

Additional Video Accessibility Requirements

Beyond captions, videos must meet additional accessibility standards:

Visual Accessibility

  • Audio Descriptions: For videos where visual content is essential to understanding (e.g., demonstrations, diagrams, on-screen text), provide an audio description track that narrates the visual elements. Alternatively, ensure all critical visual information is described verbally in the primary audio track.
  • Contrast and Text: Any on-screen text must have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 against its background. Use large, clear fonts.
  • No Flashing Content: Never include content that flashes more than three times per second. This can trigger seizures in users with photosensitive epilepsy.

Technical Accessibility

  • Accessible Player: Use Kaltura, YouTube, or Vimeo players that are fully keyboard-accessible and support caption display.
  • No Auto-Play: Videos must not play automatically when a page loads. Users must initiate playback.
  • Keyboard Controls: Ensure all player controls (play, pause, volume, captions, fullscreen) can be operated using only a keyboard.

Best Practices for Different Video Types

Pre-Recorded Instructional Videos

  • Write a script before recording to ensure all visual content is described verbally.
  • Speak clearly and at a moderate pace to improve auto-caption accuracy.
  • Identify yourself and any speakers at the beginning and when speakers change.
  • Use high-quality audio recording equipment to minimize background noise.
  • If showing on-screen text or code, read it aloud or provide a verbal description.

Live Streaming and Virtual Events

  • Use a platform with real-time automatic captioning (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, YouTube Live).
  • Designate a moderator to monitor live captions for major errors or technical issues.
  • Record the live event and provide edited captions afterward.
  • Announce accessibility accommodations at the beginning (e.g., "Captions are available in the toolbar").

Short Social Media Videos

  • If posting to Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter/X, use the platform's built-in auto-captioning feature.
  • Manually review and edit captions before publishing.
  • Use high contrast for any on-screen text.

Caption Quality Standards

To meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA requirements, captions must:

  • Be at least 99% accurate (no more than 1 error per 100 words).
  • Be synchronized with the audio (appearing within 1 second of the spoken word).
  • Include speaker identification when multiple people speak (e.g., "[Dr. Smith]: ...").
  • Include relevant sound effects and non-speech audio cues when they convey meaning (e.g., "[applause]", "[door slams]", "[music]").
  • Be punctuated correctly to preserve meaning and pacing.
  • Spell technical terms, acronyms, and proper nouns correctly.