Section 3.2: Creating accessible video and audio, Part 5
Other considerations in presenting audio and video content
- Make sure any media players, such as Quicktime and Windows Media player, give users control to start and stop the media, and the controls are available through keyboard navigation
- When possible provide choices of media players. Users will choose the player that is most accessible for them
Special formats to consider
- Live Streaming video:
Live streaming video often requires real-time captioning. In these instances, it is likely that an outside captioning service will be required.
- Flash:
Adobe's Flash presents some unique and interesting accessibility challenges with which developers will need to be familiar. Adobe has made great strides in allowing the development of accessible Flash applications. However, at this time, some functions cannot be made accessible. A Flash presentation must be planned carefully and some knowledge of Flash programming is necessary to ensure accessibility.
Best practices in building accessible Flash content include: [ 6 
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- Provide text equivalents
- Provide context when the movie has a complex layout or structure
- Control reading order
- Control animations (such as avoiding constant motion or blinking)
- Ensure keyboard access
- Provide captions
- Provide control over audio playback
- Use color wisely
- Support users with low vision
- Animations:
Animations can present a major accessibility problem because information that is in motion is difficult for a screen reader to manage. Consider carefully if the animation you are using is adding substance to your information. Make sure you give users the ability to stop or play the animation. Animations will also need alternative text just as images do.
