Audio Descriptions for Video

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Federal Title II regulations require Audio Descriptions for prerecorded videos. Audio Descriptions provide spoken narration of essential visual information, such as actions, speaker changes, images, charts, graphs, diagrams, settings, and on screen text, to ensure individuals who are blind or have low vision can fully understand the video content.

Audio Descriptions can be incorporated into videos in one of two ways:

Audio Description Built Into Narration

Example video demonstrates how audio descriptions can be incorporated into the main narration by intentionally describing essential visual elements shown on screen.

Audio Descriptions Added Through Separate Audio Track

Example video demonstrates how audio descriptions can be added as a separate track when essential visual information is not included in the main narration.

Watch the video first without Audio Descriptions (AD), then again with AD enabled using the AD icon to see how added narration conveys essential visual information.

Applying Audio Descriptions to Videos

There are two main considerations for applying audio descriptions to videos:

Evaluate Existing Videos in D2L
  • All existing videos need to be evaluated using the Evaluate Existing Videos Checklist.
    All existing videos made available to students must be evaluated for audio description requirements. This includes required and optional videos, whether they are embedded in a course, linked externally, created in Kaltura, available on YouTube, or provided through a publisher platform.
  • Not every video will need additional audio descriptions.
    Some videos may already meet audio description requirements because the video creator naturally describes essential visual information as part of the video's narration. If the main narration communicates all of the essential visual information needed to understand the content, no additional audio descriptions are required.
  • Action is required only when essential visual information is shown, but not spoken.
    If essential visual information is presented on screen without being explained in the video's narration, choose one of the following options:
Create New Videos in D2L

Before recording a new video, plan ahead to build-in Audio Descriptions to ensure essential visual information is fully described in the video’s main narration.

  • Plan ahead: Review slides, demos, or recording spaces and identify visuals that need verbal explanation.
  • Create a video script: Write with “audio-first” in mind so narration stands alone without visuals.
  • Describe naturally: Integrate descriptions into the narration.
  • Be concise and relevant: Focus on visuals essential to understanding.

Common Examples of Essential Visual Information

Whether you create or use videos created by others, subject matter experts are best positioned to determine whether narration includes all essential visual information needed to meet learning goals.

The examples below outline visual information that may need description if it is essential to the content. Whether something is essential depends on the video’s purpose and learning objectives.

  • Data Visualizations
    Describe trends, comparisons, charts, graphs, dashboards, or other data needed to understand the content.
  • Expressions and Physical Cues
    Describe facial expressions, gestures, body language, or movement when nonverbal communication conveys important meaning.
  • Math and Whiteboard
    Read equations, formulas, calculations, or written notes that are not fully explained aloud.
  • On-Screen Text
    Read titles, headings, bullet points, definitions, warnings, instructions, formulas, or other text that adds meaning.
  • Scene Changes
    Describe changes in location, setting, or context when they are important to understanding the content.
  • Screen Recordings, Demonstrations, and Tutorials
    Describe clicks, menus, settings, tools, physical actions, or workflow steps as they occur.
  • Slideshows and Narrated Presentations
    Explain charts, tables, diagrams, images, and key bullet points instead of simply displaying them.
  • Visual Concepts and Animations
    Describe animations, process flows, sequences, timelines, relationships, or cause-and-effect concepts shown visually.

Consider the following phrasing to help guide you in video planning and creation to ensure videos describe key visual elements without relying on “seeing.”

Example 1: Explaining the main takeaways of a visual graph

  • Instead of "You can see the graph here."
  • Say "The graph shows enrollment increasing from 2019 through 2024."

Example 2: Explaining how to view course grades

  • Instead of “Click here to view your course grades”.
  • Say “Select Grades from the course navigation bar to view your course grades and feedback.”

Audio Description Resources

Audio Description Resources
Kaltura for Video Creation

Kaltura is the recommended platform for creating accessible videos at LCC. 

New to Kaltura? Complete the Using Kaltura in D2L Courses Training to learn more.

Audio Descriptions Training and Help

Learn more about Audio Descriptions, how to evaluate existing videos, and how to build-in Audio Descriptions for future videos by attending any of the following learning opportunities:

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eLearning Live! Sessions

Online sessions hosted in Webex to learn more about Audio Descriptions, how to evaluate existing videos, and how to build-in Audio Descriptions for future videos.

Fall Session Dates (Registration Required)

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Office Hours

In-Person sessions in eLearning to get one-on-one assistance with Audio Descriptions.

Fall Office Hour Dates

  • Tuesday, August 25, 2026, 10 - 11 AM, TLC 1101
  • Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 2 - 3 PM, TLC 1101
  • Thursday, September 24, 2026, 12 - 1 PM, TLC 1101
  • Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 9 - 10 AM, TLC 1101
  • Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 11 AM - 12 PM, TLC 1101
  • Thursday, November 12, 2026, 3 - 4 PM, TLC 1101
  • Monday, November 16, 2026, 1 - 2 PM, TLC 1101
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Self-Paced Training

Training available within the Talent Management System (TMS).

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In-Person Training

Training times and locations are avaliable to get assistance with Audio Descriptions.

Fall In-Person Training Dates (Registration Required)