Understanding SC 1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded)

1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded): For prerecorded audio-only and prerecorded video-only media, the following are true, except when the audio or video is a media alternative for text and is clearly labeled as such: (Level A)

• Prerecorded Audio-only: An alternative for time-based media is provided that presents equivalent information for prerecorded audio-only content.
• Prerecorded Video-only: Either an alternative for time-based media or an audio track is provided that presents equivalent information for prerecorded video-only content.

This success criterion requires that audio-only & video-only content are provided with alternative method of conveying information. A text transcript can be provided for audio track & text transcript or audio track can be provided for a video that doesn’t have an audio. Transcripts help all kind of users like blind, hard of hearing, deaf & deaf blind to perceive content & understand it easily.
An example of audio-only content is podcast. A video-only content is a video that is silent.

Points to Remember

• Provide text transcripts for audio tracks.
• Provide either text transcript or an audio track for a silent video.
• If an audio is provided for video then text transcript is not required. (Exception)

References

Understanding Success Criterion 1.2.1

About Raghavendra Satish Peri

Peri as he is fondly called brings in rich experience in Digital Accessibility; He has worked with various clients ranging from Travel & Hospitality, ecommerce, Entertainment, Banking & Finance. Presently, he works at Deque Software as Digital Accessibility Consultant slaying web accessibility & mobile accessibility challenges.