There are many students who could benefit from accessible audio content (students whose first language is not English, students unfamiliar with the subject area), but some students require accessible audio content as a part of their accommodations. Students approved for this accommodation require different means of accessing audio content in the course. Audio content should be considered broadly. Audio content within courses often includes:
- Prerecorded audio information (lectures, course materials from previous semesters, podcasts etc.)
- Found audio information (youtube videos, vimeo videos, etc.)
- In-class audio (videos being played in class, music played, etc.)
- Audio included within assignments and assessments
Not all students with this accommodation will need exactly the same type of access. For instance, there may be some students who need amplified sound through a microphone and others that may require an FM system. As needed, SAS will discuss the specific requirements of individual students with the instructor.
Key Things to Know
- All requests for accessible audio content should be made as soon as possible. The creation of captions and transcripts can take a considerable amount of time depending on the complexity and length of the content.
- Auto-generated captions and transcripts are often not sufficient to meet the need of a student. Auto-captions are dependent on the quality of the audio, the specific speakers, and the terminology being used.
- It should be assumed this accommodation applies to content that is both created by the instructor or found by the instructor.
- For approved students, SAS can help assist instructors in captioning recorded materials.
- Accessible Audio Content is not the same as Interpreting, CART, and Remote CART. While some students may be approved for both accommodations, approved for Accessible Audio Content does not automatically qualify a student for access to interpreting, CART, and Remote CART. SAS will indicate on the accommodation letter if the student is approved for both.
Student Responsibilities
Students are responsible for…
- Meeting all student accommodation responsibilities.
- Meeting with the SAS AT Specialist to discuss their specific needs.
- Sharing their course schedule and any schedule changes with SAS as soon as possible.
- Discussing the types of audio content they will need access to within courses.
- Communicating with the instructor about:
- When they require accessible audio content.
- What they require for accessible audio content.
- How they will access the accessible audio content.
- Sharing any concerns with SAS as soon as possible.
Common Questions
No. While auto-captions have improved dramatically, auto-captions may not capture all voices accurately and may not accurately reference technical terms. Similarly, if the audio quality is poor, the auto-captions will also be poor. Instructors may edit auto-captions through Kaltura/MyMedia or they may reach out to SAS directly for additional supports.
