Accessible Moodle (implementation guide)

Videos have an alternative form of presentation: either an audio description or a full text alternative.

What is meant by this?

If videos contain relevant visual content, these should be provided with audio description or full text alternatives. The audio description describes the most important visual elements and information that are not included in the main audio track. A full text alternative provides complete descriptions of all visual information, such as actions and expressions.

The alternative form of presentation can be provided in the video itself (audio description) or as an extra document for downloading and on another website (e.g. a transcript).

Why is it important?

For many people, audio description and full text alternatives are an essential tool for gaining access to visual media. Audio descriptions and full text alternatives are particularly helpful for those who are unable to absorb or process visual content, such as visually impaired or blind people. In addition, an alternative form of presentation such as a transcript has the advantage that the content is available separately if there are problems playing the videos. It can also help students to absorb the content better by presenting it in a variety of ways. Students who have problems concentrating and listening attentively for longer can also benefit from this.

How can I implement/check it?

If you decide to use audio description, you should familiarize yourself with the most important aspects. The following steps should be observed:

Content analysis: The first step in creating an audio description is to thoroughly analyze the content. The video is viewed several times to identify the key visual elements that need to be described. This includes character actions, facial expressions, scene transitions, on-screen text and other important visual elements that contribute to the narrative or overall understanding. Detailed notes are made and a comprehensive list of visual elements to be described is created.

1. Scripting: Once the content analysis is complete, a script is written that concisely and clearly describes the identified visual elements. The script complements the existing dialog and audio without detracting from the original audio. It is important to use simple, easy-to-understand language and avoid jargon or complex terms. The script focuses on the most important visual elements and ensures that listeners can follow them easily. Complex actions or scenes can be broken down into smaller, easier to understand sections. The script is written in the present tense to convey a sense of immediacy and better engage the listener.
2. Recording: Once the script has been completed, the audio description is recorded. Professional narrators or an experienced audio description artist record the description in a clear, distinct voice. It is important to provide a well-structured script and clear instructions regarding the tone, tempo and style of the audio description. This ensures that the recording process runs smoothly and efficiently, resulting in a high-quality audio description.
3. Editing: After recording, the audio description is edited and synchronized with the original content. Care is taken to ensure that the descriptions fit into the natural pauses in the dialog and audio. The timing or wording of the audio description may need to be adjusted in order to achieve a seamless integration with the original content. The audio description is also checked for inconsistencies, errors or unclear descriptions. Problems are fixed to ensure that the final product is professional and of high quality.
4. Quality assurance: The final step in creating the audio description is to review the finished product to ensure that it meets the required quality standards and accessibility guidelines. Feedback from visually impaired users or accessibility experts can be obtained to identify potential problems or areas for improvement. During the quality assurance process, care is taken to ensure that the audio description is clear, accurate and informative. Any issues identified are rectified and the audio description is revised and retested until it meets the desired quality standards.

All in all, a well-written script forms the basis for a successful audio description. Detailed information and guidelines can be found on the Amberscript website.

Alternatively, you can offer a full text alternative: All information is provided in text form. Full descriptions of all visual information are provided, including the visual context, actions and expressions of the protagonists. In addition, non-speech sounds (laughter, off-screen voices, etc.) are described and transcripts of all dialogs are provided. The full text alternative can be made available for download in a Word or PDF document.