Audio

WCAG 2.1 A Standard 1.2.1 Audio-only Video-only (prerecorded)

An alternative for time-based media is provided that presents equivalent information for prerecorded audio-only content.

• For this standard, we need to ensure that all content that is audio-only (i.e., just an audio file without an accompanying video or textual component, such as a podcast or a speech) has a text-based alternative. This can be accomplished by providing a text-based transcript of the audio.
• If the audio is an alternative for a text-based piece of media (e.g., a written speech that is then accompanied by the spoken version of that same speech), this should be clearly indicated so that users understand the relationship between the two pieces of content. 
• More information can be found at Understanding SC 1.2.1: Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded) (Level A).

WCAG 2.1 A Standard 1.4.2 Audio Control

If any audio on a Web page plays automatically for more than 3 seconds, either a mechanism is available to pause or stop the audio, or a mechanism is available to control audio volume independently from the overall system volume level.

• For this standard, we need to ensure that if a page has audio that automatically begins playing when users access the page and lasts longer than three seconds, that there is a way to pause the audio or control the volume of that audio player. This volume control mechanism needs to be separate from the user’s general volume on their device.
• Preferably, audio that automatically begins playing will be avoided where possible. It is better to have users have to manually start audio instead of forcing them to stop audio that begins automatically.
• More information can be found at Understanding SC 1.4.2: Audio Control (Level A).

WCAG 2.1 AAA Standard 1.4.7 Low or No Background Audio

For prerecorded audio-only content that (1) contains primarily speech in the foreground, (2) is not an audio CAPTCHA or audio logo, and (3) is not vocalization intended to be primarily musical expression such as singing or rapping, at least one of the following is true:

No Background

The audio does not contain background sounds.

Turn Off

The background sounds can be turned off.

20 dB

The background sounds are at least 20 decibels lower than the foreground speech content, with the exception of occasional sounds that last for only one or two seconds.

• For this standard, we need to think carefully about how audio is deployed in content that we create or curate. In light of cognitive load theories of information processing and the difficulty that those who are hard of hearing may have separating different sources of audio, the user experience may be improved by either excluding extra sources of audio (e.g., background music) that may distract from the primary vocal track (e.g., the narration or dialogue) or by ensuring that any additional audio is at least 20 decibels quieter than the primary audio track. 
• Alternatively, a method for turning off the background sound should be included.
• More information can be found at Understanding SC 1.4.7:Low or No Background Audio (Level AAA).

Alignment

WCAG 

WCAG 2.1 A Standard 1.2.1 Audio-only Video-only (prerecorded)

WCAG 2.1 A Standard 1.4.2 Audio Control

WCAG 2.1 AAA Standard 1.4.7 Low or No Background Audio

WCAG 2.1 A Standard 1.2.1 Audio-only Video-only (prerecorded)

To request a transcript for a piece of audio for a course development or revision, utilize the request process in Wrike:

1. Select the “Create” button that can be found in the upper-right-hand corner of any Wrike page. It resembles a plus-icon and is a vibrant shade of green. Alternatively, you may be able to access the Request form from the following link: Wrike Request Form.
2. Select “Request” from the dropdown menu.
3. Select “IPD Support Request.” If it is not at the top of the page, you may need to utilize the search function or scroll down to find it.
4. On the support request page, select “Technology Request” from the dropdown menu at the bottom of the page and enter the date. Select “Next.”
5. On the Technology Request page, select “Closed Caption/Transcript Request” from the dropdown menu. Select “Next.”
6. Fill out all of the requested information on the Closed Caption/Transcript Request page. Then, submit the request. You will be informed when your transcript has been created. Add this to the relevant lesson.

WCAG 2.1 A Standard 1.4.2 Audio Control

• While creating content, ensure that users have a way to pause any audio content that may start automatically playing. If possible, avoid having audio play automatically without user input.
• In the case of Storyline presentations, ensure that the media controls are enabled within the player. More information can be found at Storyline 360: Choosing Player Features.

WCAG 2.1 AAA Standard 1.4.7 Low or No Background Audio

• When creating media, consider the purpose of all extra audio and remove unnecessary audio. If you choose to utilize background music or other extra sources of audio, use your video editor to ensure that the extra audio is at least 20 decibels quieter than the primary audio (e.g., the narration, and dialogue between two speakers).
• If utilizing Camtasia, the following resource provides instructions for modifying the volume of an individual audio track: How to Make a Video Louder.
• When curating videos, carefully assess the audio. Is it easy to understand? Is there additional audio that may make it hard to hear the primary audio track? It’s important to consider that other users may have a harder time hearing than you, so err on the side of caution when possible.

WCAG 2.1 A Standard 1.2.1 Audio-only Video-only (prerecorded)

An alternative for time-based media is provided that presents equivalent information for prerecorded audio-only content.

• For this standard, we need to ensure that all content that is audio-only (i.e., just an audio file without an accompanying video or textual component, such as a podcast or a speech) has a text-based alternative. This can be accomplished by providing a text-based transcript of the audio.
• If the audio is an alternative for a text-based piece of media (e.g., a written speech that is then accompanied by the spoken version of that same speech), this should be clearly indicated so that users understand the relationship between the two pieces of content. 
• More information can be found at Understanding SC 1.2.1: Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded) (Level A).

WCAG 2.1 A Standard 1.4.2 Audio Control

If any audio on a Web page plays automatically for more than 3 seconds, either a mechanism is available to pause or stop the audio, or a mechanism is available to control audio volume independently from the overall system volume level.

• For this standard, we need to ensure that if a page has audio that automatically begins playing when users access the page and lasts longer than three seconds, that there is a way to pause the audio or control the volume of that audio player. This volume control mechanism needs to be separate from the user’s general volume on their device.
• Preferably, audio that automatically begins playing will be avoided where possible. It is better to have users have to manually start audio instead of forcing them to stop audio that begins automatically.
• More information can be found at Understanding SC 1.4.2: Audio Control (Level A).

WCAG 2.1 AAA Standard 1.4.7 Low or No Background Audio

For prerecorded audio-only content that (1) contains primarily speech in the foreground, (2) is not an audio CAPTCHA or audio logo, and (3) is not vocalization intended to be primarily musical expression such as singing or rapping, at least one of the following is true:

No Background

The audio does not contain background sounds.

Turn Off

The background sounds can be turned off.

20 dB

The background sounds are at least 20 decibels lower than the foreground speech content, with the exception of occasional sounds that last for only one or two seconds.

• For this standard, we need to think carefully about how audio is deployed in content that we create or curate. In light of cognitive load theories of information processing and the difficulty that those who are hard of hearing may have separating different sources of audio, the user experience may be improved by either excluding extra sources of audio (e.g., background music) that may distract from the primary vocal track (e.g., the narration or dialogue) or by ensuring that any additional audio is at least 20 decibels quieter than the primary audio track. 
• Alternatively, a method for turning off the background sound should be included.
• More information can be found at Understanding SC 1.4.7:Low or No Background Audio (Level AAA).

WCAG 2.1 A Standard 1.2.1 Audio-only Video-only (prerecorded)

To request a transcript for a piece of audio for a course development or revision, utilize the request process in Wrike:

1. Select the “Create” button that can be found in the upper-right-hand corner of any Wrike page. It resembles a plus-icon and is a vibrant shade of green. Alternatively, you may be able to access the Request form from the following link: Wrike Request Form.
2. Select “Request” from the dropdown menu.
3. Select “IPD Support Request.” If it is not at the top of the page, you may need to utilize the search function or scroll down to find it.
4. On the support request page, select “Technology Request” from the dropdown menu at the bottom of the page and enter the date. Select “Next.”
5. On the Technology Request page, select “Closed Caption/Transcript Request” from the dropdown menu. Select “Next.”
6. Fill out all of the requested information on the Closed Caption/Transcript Request page. Then, submit the request. You will be informed when your transcript has been created. Add this to the relevant lesson.

WCAG 2.1 A Standard 1.4.2 Audio Control

• While creating content, ensure that users have a way to pause any audio content that may start automatically playing. If possible, avoid having audio play automatically without user input.
• In the case of Storyline presentations, ensure that the media controls are enabled within the player. More information can be found at Storyline 360: Choosing Player Features.

WCAG 2.1 AAA Standard 1.4.7 Low or No Background Audio

• When creating media, consider the purpose of all extra audio and remove unnecessary audio. If you choose to utilize background music or other extra sources of audio, use your video editor to ensure that the extra audio is at least 20 decibels quieter than the primary audio (e.g., the narration, and dialogue between two speakers).
• If utilizing Camtasia, the following resource provides instructions for modifying the volume of an individual audio track: How to Make a Video Louder.
• When curating videos, carefully assess the audio. Is it easy to understand? Is there additional audio that may make it hard to hear the primary audio track? It’s important to consider that other users may have a harder time hearing than you, so err on the side of caution when possible.

• Style Guide: Transcripts
• Articulate Community: Storyline 360: Choosing Player Features
• Wrike: Wrike Request Forms
• Techsmith: How to Make a Video Louder (Camtasia)