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Re: Audio description in WCAG 2.1 AA success criterion1.2.5

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From: Jonathan Avila
Date: Apr 23, 2021 7:32PM

Note 2 to the audio description definition in WCAG states "In standard audio description, narration is added during existing pauses in dialogue. (See also extended audio description.)" which seems to scope the definition of audio description to existing pauses - hence why the understanding document is written toward that slant. While definitions are normative - notes are not. it does indicate that was the intention when the note was written - perhaps the note could be updated if the Accessibility Guidelines working group determines today that the technology reasons for that note in 2008 are no longer relevant.
https://www.w3.org/TR/UNDERSTANDING-WCAG20/media-equiv-audio-desc-only.html#audiodescdef

Jonathan

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From: WebAIM-Forum < <EMAIL REMOVED> > On Behalf Of glen walker
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Subject: Re: [WebAIM] Audio description in WCAG 2.1 AA success criterion 1.2.5

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That sounds like rubbish. Having gaps in the audio is unrelated to 1.2.5.
There's no indication in the normative SC that gaps are a prerequisite.
"Audio description is provided for all prerecorded video..." It doesn't say all prerecorded video that has sufficient gaps. It says "all prerecorded video". If you don't have sufficient gaps to create an AD, then you need to re-record.

There's a slight hint in the non-normative understanding section that says "During existing pauses in dialogue, audio description provides information about action..." So what happens if you don't have "existing pauses"? It means you weren't thinking about accessibility when it was recorded.
Sorry, you need to fix it. It doesn't say pauses must exist in order to create AD.

Glen