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Provide a transcript or audio description for prerecorded video content.
Why it matters: Blind users need descriptions of visual information in videos that isn't conveyed through audio.
An alternative for time-based media or audio description of the prerecorded video content is provided for synchronized media, except when the media is a media alternative for text and is clearly labeled as such.
What This Means: This success criterion requires that prerecorded video content must have either a text transcript (media alternative) that includes descriptions of visual information, or an audio description track that narrates important visual details. This ensures that blind users can access visual information that isn't conveyed through the audio track alone.
Why It's Important: Videos often contain important visual information that isn't mentioned in the audio track. For example, a character might find a key, read a sign, or perform an action silently. Blind users would miss this information without audio descriptions or a detailed transcript. This criterion ensures that all important visual information is accessible through alternative formats.
You can meet this requirement in two ways: (1) Provide an audio description track that narrates visual information during pauses in dialogue, or (2) Provide a complete text transcript that includes descriptions of all important visual elements in addition to dialogue and sounds. The alternative must cover all visual information that's important for understanding the content.
This criterion ensures that blind users can access and understand the content, improving their overall experience and ability to use the website effectively.
This criterion ensures that users with low vision can access and understand the content, improving their overall experience and ability to use the website effectively.
This criterion ensures that deaf-blind users can access and understand the content, improving their overall experience and ability to use the website effectively.
Impact: When this criterion is properly implemented, it removes barriers for these user groups and creates a more inclusive web experience for everyone.
A video shows a character finding a hidden key, but no one speaks about it. Blind users miss this plot point.
During a pause in dialogue, a narrator says "She reaches under the mat and finds a silver key."
This success criterion benefits the following user groups:
Tip: Use this checklist during development and testing to ensure all requirements for 1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded) are met. Check off items as you complete them.
Note: These are official W3C resources for 1.2.3. For the most up-to-date information and detailed technical guidance, always refer to the official W3C documentation.
Implementing 1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded) correctly requires understanding your specific context. Code solutions vary significantly based on multiple factors:
HTML, React, Vue, Angular, PHP, Python, and other frameworks each have different patterns and best practices.
Server-side rendering, client-side rendering, static generation, and hybrid approaches require different solutions.
Your existing components, styling approach, and UI library influence how accessibility must be implemented.
Your specific user base, content type, and interaction patterns determine the most appropriate implementation.
We provide tailored implementation guidance by analyzing your specific technology stack, coding patterns, design system, and project requirements. Our team reviews your codebase and provides custom solutions that integrate seamlessly with your existing architecture.
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1.2 Time-based Media