Accessibility information for podcasters
On this page:
Accessibility issues
For users who are blind: Visual podcast content is inaccessible to blind users. If there is content-rich information presented via video without audio describing the information conveyed by the video content, this information will not be accessible by individuals who are blind or have low vision. Podcast providers should provide an audio description of information that is provided only by the video. For example, if a video podcast shows a science experiment combining vinegar and baking soda, an audio description should explain the ensuing eruption. With no explanation, blind and low vision users would not have access to the video content available to sighted users.
For users who are deaf or hard of hearing: While a sighted, hearing impaired user will be able to view and understand visual content, all audio podcast content is inaccessible to these users. Therefore, all video podcasts should include accompanying captions or a transcription of the video's audio content. Captions should play in sync with the podcast, and transcripts should be available from the same web source offering the podcast.
Making your podcast accessible
To make your podcast highly-accessible, make sure you include:
- Transcripts for audio podcasts for hearing-impaired audiences
- Captions in video podcasts for hearing-impaired audiences, making sure that captions are appropriately synchronized.
- Audio descriptions of visual content that conveys important information in video podcasts for visually impaired audiences.
Podcasting accessibility resources at IU
Indiana University podcast providers who are interested in creating accessible podcasts, and students who need podcasts modified so they can use them, should contact the Adaptive Technology Centers at IU Bloomington and IUPUI. The ATCs serve individuals with disabilities and create many types of alternate media to meet the needs of those with vision, hearing, mobility and cognitive needs. In addition to rendering a wide variety of print materials in an accessible format, the ATCs can assist with creation of podcasts in an accessible format in response to user need. Additionally, they can assist podcast creators wishing to include accessible features to their podcasts. See:
http://www.indiana.edu/~iuadapts/Additional IU resource centers include:
| Campus | Resource | Web site |
|---|---|---|
| IU East | Student Support Services | http://www.iue.edu/support/ |
| IU-Purdue University Fort Wayne | Services for Students with Disabilities | http://www.ipfw.edu/ssd/ |
| IU Kokomo | Disability Services | http://www.iuk.edu/~koada/ |
| IU Northwest | ADA Accessibility at IU Northwest | http://www.iun.edu/ada_accessibility/ |
| IU South Bend | Office of Disability Support Services | http://www.iusb.edu/~sbdss/ |
| IU Southeast | Disability Services | http://www.ius.edu/asc/disabilityservices/ |
Last modified on September 16, 2008.
