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From: Julie Grisham
Date: Apr 25, 2016 12:07PM

Hi everyone!


I have a question about captions and transcripts. Personally, I am deaf,
but in terms of getting information related to compliance in this area, I
am still a bit of a novice.


I understand that both are required to ensure AA compliance. I'd like to
give you a little background information and post a couple specific
questions because this situation is a bit different. If anyone can help by
providing a resource link to WCAG and/or other similar sites to help me,
that would be great!


*Background: *Several tests are developed for students (multiple forms). We
have individual tests that are accommodated for a specific population of
students with disabilities. We cannot bundle all accommodations in one form
due to the technology limitations set by the technology and security specs.
There might be a test that is delivered in large print and Braille. A test
delivered using Text to Speech, a test delivered using sign language videos
(ASL signer in video) and a test delivered using captions for video clips.
There are portions of the tests that are the same across the board, some
variation to get a good sample of results.


For the test that is delivered using captions. There might be one to two
short video clips and the captions are timed according to the voice.
Questions related to the clip may indicate time markers before the question
(example: In the video at 2:20, how….).


We received a request to add a transcript that is just verbatim what is
provided in the captions so the student sees a tab with the video (captions
embedded) and a tab showing the transcript. The target population for this
accommodation are students with a hearing loss who need captions, but do
not use American Sign Language. Those using sign language and who are
deaf/blind are accommodated using different forms.


Typically, the video clips are available in a non-accommodated test and
students taking this test are able to replay the clip and listen as often
as possible. For the captions-accommodated test, the student with the
hearing loss can do the same – replay and read captions as often as needed.


Now, my questions are:


Given this background information, is it necessary to provide transcript in
addition to the captions?


What is the benefit of the transcript if it's just verbatim what is in the
captions? The transcripts I saw did not have any extra information that is
not already in the captions and it appeared to be distracting for the
student to see there's something additional to read -- my opinion as a deaf
person who uses captions on a daily basis. It was my understanding from
WCAG that transcripts are typically more descriptive than captions. This is
not the case in this situation.


Using the background information I provided, is it required to add the
transcript even though it's verbatim? Even though other accommodations are
not embedded on the same test?


Regarding format of transcripts – are there samples of how transcripts can
be displayed online with videos that I might be able to view to get some
ideas how best to deliver this if we still need to provide a transcript. By
format, I'm talking about specific transcript content requirements and also
if it needs to be within the video clip's player.


I'm sure as I see feedback, I may have more questions. Thanks in advance!

Julie