Making Videos Accessible

Captions provide a text version of spoken audio and are essential for users who are deaf or hard of hearing. They also improve search-ability and usability for all viewers.

Use Media Hub for automatic captions
If you upload videos to Media Hub, captions are created automatically. These captions should be reviewed and edited for accuracy before publishing.
Refer to the instructions for editing captions.

Create captions in YouTube
If you are publishing videos on YouTube, you can create and upload captions at no cost. This improves both accessibility and search-ability.
Follow the directions for adding captions in YouTube.

Use a captioning vendor
If you have available funding, you may choose to work with an approved vendor to create captions and transcripts for your video.

Support for live events
For live events, Student Access Services maintains a list of interpreters and CART providers to support real-time accessibility needs.

Get help with video production and delivery
For guidance on creating or delivering accessible video content, contact the Media Production Studio at
itmps@ku.edu or 785-864-6452.
They can assist with streaming, hosting, and distribution options.

Audio description provides access to visual information for users who are blind or have low vision. It describes important visual elements that are not conveyed through audio alone.

Understand when audio description is needed
Audio description is used when key information is presented visually but not explained in the audio. This may include actions, text on screen, or visual context needed to understand the content.

Include descriptions during production when possible
When creating a video, consider incorporating descriptions of visual elements directly into the script or narration. This can reduce or eliminate the need for a separate audio description track.

Use a separate audio track when needed
If visual information cannot be included in the main narration, audio description is typically provided as a separate audio track.

Learn more or get training
If you are interested in creating audio descriptions for video or live events, contact the Audio Reader Network at
reader@ku.edu for information about training opportunities.

Transcripts provide a written version of all spoken audio in a video. They support users who are deaf or hard of hearing, have visual impairments, or prefer to read content.

Provide a complete text version of the video
A transcript should include all spoken dialogue, as well as relevant non-speech elements such as sound effects, music, or speaker identification when appropriate.

Use transcripts alongside captions
While captions are synchronized with video, transcripts provide a separate, readable version of the content. Offering both gives users flexibility in how they access information.

Create transcripts from captions
In many cases, transcripts can be created by exporting or editing an existing caption file. This can save time and ensure consistency between formats.

Make transcripts easy to access
Provide transcripts near the video, such as on the same webpage or as a downloadable document, so users can easily find and use them.

Use vendors if needed
Approved captioning vendors can provide both captions and transcripts. See the Approved Captioning Vendors section for more information.