Section 3.2: Creating accessible video and audio, Part 4
Transcripts
Transcripts are text versions of audio content for those who cannot hear the audio clip or sound from a video. Often times the transcript is provided as a link to a separate page and is located near the audio link.
Transcripts "should include both spoken words and any relevant sounds that are necessary to fully convey the message; for example, the sound of thunder that implies the imminent arrival of an electrical storm." [ 1 
]
In general, all audio files must have an associated transcript. Even for a voiceover describing something, a transcript should be provided. For many audio files a text transcript is a straightforward and appropriate accessibility solution.
More creative solutions are needed for audio of music or other sounds. The content provider needs to consider the purpose of the audio. For example, if the music is a decoration and not integral to the content, giving the users control over whether they play the music or not is probably sufficient. If the music is to set a tone or mood, than for those who cannot listen to the music, description of the music is probably needed (speed, type, other qualities of the music). When the sound is an "integral part of the presentation" then the idea of equivalence will take careful thought [ 7, p.407-408 ]. Typically, this level of interpretation of the content will need to be provided by content experts.
Activity 3
Question 1
You have interviewed a number of people and created a video of them discussing their favorite artist. Each speaker is introduced with a banner of text visible over the video portion that lists the speaker's name and title. This information is not available in the audio track.
The information about the identity of the speaker is not available to those who cannot see the video and is not available within the audio track so the audio description would be the best option for providing this information.
Question 2
You have a video of a short talk given by a museum curator. The video consists of the one curator speaking. The video focuses on her face the entire time.
In this case, an audio description is likely not needed because the video is dialog-based and no additional action is introduced.
