Audio Descriptions for ASU Course Content

Audio descriptions (also called descriptive audio, video description, or AD) are an accessibility feature that provides spoken narration of important visual information in videos, movies, TV shows, presentations, and other visual media. Create audio descriptions when there are visual-only elements that are not mentioned or described in the main audio track.

Audio descriptions describe things that a viewer cannot see, such as:

• Characters' actions and movements
• Facial expressions and emotions
• Scene changes and settings
• On-screen text
• Visual details important to understanding the content

The descriptions are typically inserted during natural pauses in dialogue so they do not interfere with the original audio.

Creating Audio Descriptions

Although ASU does not currently have a designated institution-wide tool for creating audio descriptions, there are several strategies we can use to ensure that information conveyed nonverbally remains accessible to individuals with low vision or blindness.

Incorporate descriptions while recording

When meaningful visual content is described in the video's narration, additional audio descriptions may not be needed. Planning for accessibility during production can help ensure that all viewers receive the necessary information.

• Encourage speakers to introduce themselves and describe their setting within the narration, rather than relying solely on on-screen text. This helps all viewers identify who is speaking and understand the context.
• Any important text displayed on screen, such as titles, headings, or key messages, should also be conveyed through narration or included in the script.
• For complex visual content, such as data tables, charts, or detailed visualizations, consider providing accessible alternatives, such as descriptive summaries, transcripts, or accessible documents.

Edit in audio descriptions

If essential visual content is not communicated through the existing audio, add audio descriptions to provide access to visual elements, actions, and on-screen text.

• Describe only the visual information necessary to understand the content. Focus on observable actions, objects, and events rather than interpreting emotions, motivations, or intentions. Audio descriptions should convey what can be seen, not assumptions about what is happening.
• Decorative visuals that do not contribute to understanding the content generally do not need to be described.
• A helpful way to identify missing information is to listen to the video without looking at the screen. Consider what important details are unavailable through the audio alone.

Descriptive Transcripts

Descriptive transcripts include text descriptions of significant visual elements not conveyed by audio alone. They help ensure that video content is accessible to individuals with combined vision and hearing disabilities. (Descriptive transcripts example)

At ASU, videos can be uploaded to MediaPlus, where automatically generated transcripts can be reviewed and edited for accuracy.

AI Assistance 

Several AI platforms, including ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Copilot, can assist with creating draft descriptive transcripts by analyzing spoken and visual content. However, AI-generated transcripts should be reviewed by a human to ensure accuracy, completeness, and accessibility before publication. 

Tips 

• Provide a clearly labeled link to the transcript near the video player so users can easily locate and access it.
• When creating video tutorials, keep content concise and focused to improve engagement, comprehension, and accessibility.
• Ensure closed captions accurately represent all meaningful audio content, including dialogue, speaker identification, relevant sound effects, and important background sounds.
• Whenever possible, use video platforms that allow users to customize caption appearance, such as text size, color, and other display settings, to support individual accessibility needs.