Adding subtitles to a video makes it much more accessible, but subtitles alone do not reach every user. Subtitles convey what is being said, but they do not indicate who is saying it when speakers are off-screen, nor do they capture whether someone is whispering or shouting. This is where subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing — also known as SDH —come in. SDH goes further, making the full message accessible to viewers with a hearing impairment.
When are videos fully accessible?
However, for users who can hear but cannot see — or cannot see well — subtitles offer no benefit. They can hear what is being said, but they cannot see who is speaking or where. For people with a visual impairment, audio description bridges that gap. Audio description is an additional voice track that narrates what is happening on screen during pauses in dialogue or sound. It provides context about people, locations, and situations, and also mentions on-screen text such as titles, company logos, or contact details.
Because a video has a specific duration, it is not always possible to display all information in the audio description. Therefore, Scribit.Pro also creates a transcript for every video. This is a textual representation of all information—that is, everything that can be seen and heard in that video. This text conveys the information from the video without the need to listen to or watch the video. Users who are blind or visually impaired can listen to the transcript using text-to-speech software. Deaf or hard-of-hearing people can read the text at their own pace.
Accessibility is useful for all users
These accessibility features are not only supportive — or even essential — for people with hearing or visual impairments. With audio description, transcription, and SDH, you make videos accessible to a much wider audience. People with dyslexia, autism, brain injury, or language and learning difficulties can also benefit greatly. The same goes for older adults and people who speak another language. For those who process information better through text, a transcript is invaluable. Conversely, audio description can help some viewers better follow what is happening on screen. Accessible video makes your message clearer for all users, regardless of disability, situation, or preference.
What about the statutory accessibility requirements?
A video is only truly accessible when viewers have access to three forms of support: subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing (SDH), audio description, and a transcript. Only then does the video comply with all mandatory accessibility standards — the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). With Scribit.Pro’s services, video becomes accessible and more understandable for everyone. Fast and straightforward, professional, and comprehensive.