Frequently Asked Questions

Federal Title II regulations require Audio Descriptions for pre-recorded videos to ensure they are fully accessible to blind and low-vision individuals.

Audio Descriptions are when the media creator narrates key visual elements (actions, speakers, settings, and on-screen text) that is shown onscreen, by describing visual elements verbally in the main video narration, or by adding a separate Audio Description track.

Audio Descriptions are only necessary when there are visual-only elements in a video that are not fully described in the main audio track. Not all video content will need a separate Audio Description track.

There are two ways audio description can be provided in a video:

• Built-in audio description is included as part of the original narration. The speaker naturally describes important visual information while explaining the content. This is the preferred approach because it is clear, accurate, and integrated into the video.
• A separate audio description track is an additional audio layer generated after the video is created. This track describes important visual information that was not included in the original narration. Separate audio description tracks are typically used when a video cannot be re-recorded.

Built-in audio description is preferred whenever possible.

Audio Description requirements apply to all pre-recorded video that is used for instruction, regardless if a class has students who are vision impaired. Not all students with vision impairment are going to identify themselves nor should they have to.

If a student has a disability that requires remediation of video or other course materials, the Center for Student Access ​ is happy to assist with that process. The Center for Student Access often provides reader/scribes to students who are blind and they can help provide descriptions in real time in-class.

eLearning has a dedicated Audio Description page which provides access to resources, trainings, in-person assistance.

Every video is subjective and must be manually evaluated using the checklist.

Before recording a new video, plan ahead to build-in Audio Descriptions to ensure key visual elements are fully described in the main video narration.

Kaltura is the recommended platform for creating accessible videos.

Describe what's happening on the screen to the best of your abilities to ensure all key visual elements are fully described in the main video narration.

Audio Description requirements apply to pre-recorded video that is used for instruction. If the video being played is pre-recorded, it will need to have Audio Descriptions. If the video is shown over a live Webex session, the live session doesn't need to have Audio Descriptions, but the pre-recorded video shown within the live session still needs Audio Descriptions.

While it is possible to create your own Audio Descriptions track, it would require access to advanced media editing software, such as Camtasia, and advanced media editing skills. There is no feature within Kaltura to create your own Audio Description track.

Only videos distributed to multiple people are required to have Audio Descriptions. Students submitting an assignment to their instructor or posting on a discussion board do not require Audio Descriptions. Student submissions that are shared for student review outside of discussions would require Audio Descriptions.

Kaltura is the official LCC media platform for creating accessible videos within D2L at Lansing Community College.

Evaluate existing video(s) to determine if key visual elements are being narrated in the main video narration. Videos that do not fully describe key visual elements in the main video narration will either:

• Need to be re-recorded following the guidelines outlined for New Videos in D2L.
  OR​
• Request a separate Audio Description track to be added. Approval Required. (Coming Soon)

Refer to the owner of the video or your department if a person is no longer with the college. All videos, regardless of whether or not you created them, will need to be evaluated for audio descriptions.

All video content within a course must meet Audio Description requirements.

Coming Soon

If the text is important to understanding the meaning of what is being discussed, it should be read aloud.

Evaluate the video to determine if key visual elements are being narrated in the main video narration. Videos that do not fully describe key visual elements in the main video narration will either need to be redone or request a separate Audio Description track be added. Please note, there will need to be pauses in a video for an Audio Description track to adequately describe key visual elements without overlapping the main audio.

All videos will need to be evaluated for audio descriptions. Follow the existing videos checklist to ensure all key visual elements are fully described in the main video narration.

Kaltura created Audio Description tracks cannot be edited. If an Audio Description track is not sufficient and is missing key visual information, the video will need to be re-recorded.

Regardless of where the video originates from, evaluate the video using the Evaluating Existing Videos for Audio Descriptions Checklist. If it does not meet the requirements, reach out to the creator of the video (i.e. Publishers, etc.) or find an alternative video.

All videos, including embedded videos and links to videos outside of D2L, will need to be evaluated for audio descriptions.

All videos, including embedded videos and links to videos outside of D2L, will need to be evaluated for audio descriptions.