Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

The new Accessibility Guidelines requires institutions to provide alt text for images, captions/transcripts for videos, ensure keyboard operability, maintain sufficient color contrast, use clear headings, and make online documents accessible, in all online course materials, platforms, and third-party content.

Requirements & Standards

ALT Text

ALT Text is required for images. Also known as alternative text, it is descriptive text associated to specific images or other visual elements on a webpage or document. The alt text should provide a detailed description of the image which allows a screen reader to capture the information.
Use ALT Text to convey important information about the image.
Use ALT Text when an image functions as a link or button to describe the link's purpose and destination.

Captions

Captions contain all spoken dialogue. In addition captions may include descriptions of significant sound effects, music, and non-verbal communication and sometimes speaker differentiation.
Captions are synchronized with the audio presentation in real time or via a recording and appear on screen with speech and relevant sound effects.
Time-synced text that appears directly on a video or audio stream.
Includes spoken words, speaker identification, music and speech sounds (applause, laughter and other sound descriptions.)
Allows for accessible video content for deaf, hard of hearing people, for users who have language barriers or for users with sound sensitivity.

Transcripts

Transcripts include every spoken word in the whole video.
Transcripts may contain descriptions of background noises, music, and other sound effects. Speaker identification may also be noted when multiple speakers are present in the video.
Transcripts are standalone text documents, separate from the video. The text is not synchronized with the video’s timing, meaning it does not match the exact moment something is said or occurs in the video unless created with timestamps.