How can you test audio content for user accessibility?

1 Provide transcripts

One of the most important and effective ways to make your audio content accessible is to provide transcripts. Transcripts are written versions of the spoken words and sounds in your audio content, which can help people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have auditory processing difficulties. Transcripts also benefit people who prefer to read, have low bandwidth, or want to search for specific information. You can create transcripts manually, use automated transcription services, or hire professional transcribers. Make sure to edit and proofread your transcripts for accuracy, clarity, and formatting.

2 Add captions

Another way to make your audio content accessible is to add captions. Captions are synchronized text that appears on the screen along with your audio content, which can help people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have trouble understanding the speech. Captions also help people who watch your audio content in noisy environments, with muted sound, or in different languages. You can create captions manually, use automated captioning tools, or hire professional captioners. Make sure to follow the captioning standards and guidelines for your platform and audience.

3 Use descriptive audio

A third way to make your audio content accessible is to use descriptive audio. Descriptive audio is a narration that describes the visual elements and actions in your audio content, which can help people who are blind, have low vision, or have cognitive impairments. Descriptive audio also helps people who listen to your audio content without watching the screen, or who want to get more context and details. You can create descriptive audio manually, use automated descriptive audio tools, or hire professional describers. Make sure to use clear, concise, and objective language, and avoid overlapping with the original audio.

4 Check audio quality

A fourth way to make your audio content accessible is to check the audio quality. Audio quality refers to the clarity, volume, and balance of your audio content, which can affect how well people can hear and understand it. Audio quality also depends on the recording equipment, editing software, and playback devices you use. You can improve your audio quality by using a good microphone, reducing background noise, adjusting the sound levels, and choosing the right format and compression. Make sure to test your audio quality on different devices and speakers, and get feedback from your audience.

5 Follow accessibility standards

A fifth way to make your audio content accessible is to follow the accessibility standards and best practices for your industry and platform. Accessibility standards are guidelines and specifications that help you create and deliver audio content that meets the needs and expectations of people with different abilities and situations. Accessibility standards also help you comply with the legal and ethical requirements for your content. Some of the common accessibility standards for audio content are the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the Section 508 Standards, and the Audio Description Standards. Make sure to review and apply the relevant standards for your audio content and audience.

6 Use accessibility tools

A sixth way to make your audio content accessible is to use accessibility tools and resources that can help you test, improve, and monitor your audio content. Accessibility tools are software applications, plugins, extensions, or websites that can help you create, edit, or evaluate your audio content for accessibility. Accessibility tools can also help you identify and fix any accessibility issues or errors in your audio content. Some of the popular accessibility tools for audio content are the Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool (WAVE), the Audio Accessibility Checker, and the Audio Accessibility Checklist. Make sure to use the appropriate tools for your audio content and purpose.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?