Multimedia Accessibility

If they can’t see it or hear it, they can’t know it.

Video and audio are powerful storytelling tools, but they create immediate barriers for users with sensory disabilities. Making multimedia accessible means providing alternatives: text for audio, and audio for visuals. This ensures your message reaches everyone, including people in noisy environments or those watching with the sound off.

The 3 Phases of Accessible Multimedia

Before

Plan accessibility before recording or publishing.

  • Prepare scripts or talking points

  • Identify key visuals that need explanation

  • Plan for captions and transcripts in advance

During

Create content with accessibility in mind.

  • Speak clearly and at a moderate pace

  • Describe important visuals verbally

  • Avoid background noise or overlapping speakers

After

Make content usable for everyone.

  • Add captions and transcripts

  • Provide summaries or key takeaways

  • Check playback controls and accessibility settings

Creator Checklist

Before you hit “Publish” on that video or podcast, check these items:

Captions

  • Are captions available for all video content?

  • Are captions accurate and properly synced?

  • Are speaker changes and important sounds captured?

Transcripts

  • Is a text transcript available for audio-only content?

  • Does the transcript include relevant visual context?

  • Is the transcript easy to find near the media?

Visual Information

  • Are important visuals explained in speech or text?

  • Are charts, diagrams, or actions described verbally?

  • Is text on screen readable and not overcrowded?

Audio Quality

  • Is speech clear and easy to understand?

  • Is background noise minimized?

  • Are multiple speakers easy to distinguish?

Playback & Controls

  • Can users pause, stop, or replay the media?

  • Does the media avoid auto-play?

  • Are controls usable with keyboard and assistive technologies?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These issues are frequent causes of accessibility complaints and WCAG failures

❌ Auto-playing video or audio

❌ Captions that are missing, inaccurate, or delayed

❌ Relying on visuals without explanation

❌ Background music that competes with speech

❌ Important information shown only briefly on screen

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