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Content Accessibility Reminder. SVSU requires audio and video content to be transcribed and edited for ADA Title II compliance.
Overview
This article outlines general Universal Design guidelines when creating or designing content and offers tools we support at SVSU ensuring content is equally accessible to all learners. Explore tools that help educators meet the needs for all students learning experiences in any teaching modality or discipline: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Guidelines
Note: Your course material and web content content must meet ADA and Section 508 compliance: Creating Inclusive Content: Accessibility and Universal Design
Content and Universal Design (UDL)
When creating content, you need to ensure that you’re accommodating all learners. Some recommendations are:
- Microsoft apps allow you to add alternative text to a shape, picture, chart, or smart object, providing a specific description on what is being displayed is recommended, so it can be easily read and comprehend.
- With audio and video media, we have tools at SVSU that generate automatic transcripts that can be read by the user or a screen reader.
PDF Accessibility
Important Note: Adobe Reader does not include an accessibility checker. SVSU employees must use Adobe Acrobat Pro to identify and fix accessibility issues to ensure their PDFs meet ADA Title II compliance before uploading or sharing them. Read this article on how to use the Accessibility Checker in Acrobat Pro.
Media Capture Tools for Accessibility
SVSU offers several different tools for media capture all with various accessibility features such as; keyboard control for video playback, automated machine generated transcription, live captions, and more.
Note: Transcripts are not 100% accurate, so they must be edited for accuracy to meet ADA Title II compliance. Closed captions can also be applied, but the transcript must be 99% accurate.
EchoVideo (record or live stream classes):
A lecture capture system for recording classes and personal lectures. It is recommended for streamlining your teaching, ease of access to recording and video playback for students, and supports accessibility such as Live Captions during a Live class, closed captions, screen reader support, keyboard shortcuts, alt text for polls, and an Accessibility widget for customizable viewing for all users.
Microsoft Teams (online classes or virtual meetings)
A collaboration platform that is part of the Microsoft 365 licensing. It is recommended for holding real-time classes and meetings. Features include video and chat communication, video meetings, file sharing, and supports accessibility with Live Captions, screen reader support, keyboard shortcuts, and more.
Microsoft Stream (recommended for students and non-academic use)
An online video platform from Microsoft allowing for recording quick videos for up to 15 minutes. Recordings can be accessible with transcripts and captions. Videos store in OneDrive and can be shared internally within Microsoft 365 apps, Canvas, or externally outside of SVSU.
Zoom (Basic and Education)
A video conference tool available to hold online calls and meetings. Features include live transcripts, closed caption capabilities, screen reader support, keyboard shortcuts, and more.